Pro-Israel centrist Latimer defeats Bowman in New York Democratic primary
Pro-Israel centrist George Latimer on Tuesday defeated Rep. Jamaal Bowman, one of the most outspoken critics of Israel in Congress, in a contentious Democratic primary in suburban New York. The vote put a spotlight on the party’s divisions over the Israel-Hamas war. Bowman has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have died in military strikes.
George Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist, defeated U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman on Tuesday in a Democratic primary in suburban New York that highlighted the party’s deep divisions over the war in Gaza.
With the victory, Latimer has ousted one of the most liberal voices in Congress and one of its most outspoken critics of Israel. Bowman has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have died in military strikes.
Latimer, who got into the race at the urging of Jewish leaders and had heavy financial backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, is a former state legislator who has served as Westchester County executive since 2018.
In a victory speech, Latimer called for more civility following the contentious election.
“We have to fight to make sure we don’t vilify each other and we remember that we’re all Americans, and our common future is bound together," he told supporters at an event in White Plains.
(AP)
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