A New York county executive is launching a primary challenge to unseat Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) next year, marking the latest challenge for the Democratic incumbent as he faces criticism over a fire alarm incident earlier this year, as well as his voting record on support for Israel.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer filed for candidacy in New York’s 16th Congressional District, according to a filing with the Federal Election Commission that was submitted on Monday. The filing comes after months of speculation that Latimer would challenge Bowman for the nomination, touting himself as being the “most progressive” county official in the Empire State.
Latimer’s presence in the race sets the stage for what could be one of the most high-profile Democratic primary elections in the 2024 cycle, particularly in New York. The race could also serve as a bellwether to determine how important support for Israel will be in the 2024 cycle.
Latimer has already indicated the matter will play a major role in his campaign, especially as Bowman faces criticism from voters in his district for his stance to call for a ceasefire and for his vote last month opposing a resolution to reaffirm support for Israel. That could spell trouble for Bowman as he faces a primary challenge in a district with a significant Jewish population.
The war in Israel is expected to be a focal point of his campaign, especially after Latimer toured the country last week amid its war on Hamas.
“There’s people that are protesting that they’re pro-Palestine, as if the Israeli position is anti-Palestinian,” Latimer said while waiting for his return flight at Ben Gurion Airport, according to Politico. “The anger and fear is directed at Hamas as the terrorist organization that runs the country, and that’s a differentiation you don’t often pick up.”
Bowman has also faced criticism from his GOP colleagues over the last several weeks after he pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge for falsely pulling a fire alarm in one of the congressional office buildings shortly before lawmakers were scheduled to meet for votes on avoiding a government shutdown.
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Republicans repeatedly called for Bowman to be charged in the incident, with former New York Republican Rep. George Santos using his last act in Congress to draft an expulsion resolution against the New York Democrat last week.
Latimer has not publicly declared his campaign against Bowman, but his announcement could come as soon as this week. A spokesperson for Bowman did not respond to a request for comment by the Washington Examiner.
