Latimer easily defeats Bowman, in blow to progressives

Following one of the most expensive and most divisive primary races that New York has ever seen, 16th Congressional District voters have finally chosen a victor – Westchester County Executive George Latimer is likely heading to Congress. He handily defeated Rep. Jamaal Bowman, winning 59.3% of the vote compared to Bowman’s 40.1% (with about 79% of precincts reported) and is not expected to face serious Republican opposition in November.

The loss represents a devastating blow to progressives in New York, who rallied around Bowman up until the end. For more moderate Democrats, the result signaled that the organizing might of the Working Families Party and the Democratic Socialists of America can be overcome with the right blend of geography and candidate selection.

Latimer preached unity following his win, basking in the adulation of supporters at his White Plains election night party. “We have to fight to make sure that we do not vilify each other, that we remember that we’re all Americans, and that our common future is bound together,” he said in a victory speech.

The election’s latter stages were defined by racial tensions and prolific spending from pro-Israel groups – particularly the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project. The district, which includes much of Westchester County and a small part of the Bronx, has a large Jewish population that already found itself adjusting to Bowman’s style of representation after he ousted former Rep. Eliot Engel in 2020. Whatever uneasiness may have been brewing below the surface erupted following Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel. After Israel began a monthslong invasion of Gaza, Bowman called for a permanent ceasefire and called Israel’s actions in Gaza a “genocide.”

Bowman’s strident criticism of Israel alienated many of his constituents and ultimately led to his downfall. As his relationship with Jewish and more moderate Democrats in the district began to deteriorate, Latimer’s stock rose. Though he did not make it the main point of attack during his campaign, Latimer’s unconditional support for Israel made him a prime candidate for AIPAC to recruit. Latimer jumped into the race in December and quickly secured AIPAC’s support.