Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a progressive Democrat and member of the "Squad," has lost his reelection bid in a primary to George Latimer, a centrist Democrat.
According to the Associated Press, Bowman's defeat has raised questions about the strength and future of the progressive movement within the Democratic Party.
Bowman, who made headlines in 2020 by defeating 16-term Rep. Eliot Engel, became the first Black man to represent New York's 16th Congressional District. However, just four years later, he became the first member of the "Squad" to lose a primary, a significant blow to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. The primary was closely watched, highlighting the ongoing tension within the party between centrist and progressive factions.
One major factor in Bowman's defeat was the redrawing of his district's boundaries. Since his initial victory in 2020, most sections of the Bronx, which were crucial to his base of Black and brown voters, have been replaced by more of Westchester County's suburbs. This change significantly altered the demographic makeup of the district, making it more challenging for Bowman to secure reelection.
Bowman's campaign was also marred by a recent controversy. In September, he triggered a fire alarm in a house building while lawmakers were working on a funding bill, which led to his being censured by House colleagues. Although Bowman claimed the alarm went off by accident, the incident added to his political troubles.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its allied super PAC played a significant role in the race, spending nearly $15 million. This made it the most expensive House primary on record, according to ad tracking firm AdImpact. AIPAC's super PAC inundated the district with negative ads against Bowman, accusing him of being an outspoken critic of Israel and attempting to sway voters.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, expressed concern over the influence of money in the race:
I think Jamaal has a much harder district than many other progressives because a big section of the district is extremely wealthy and very connected to certain views about Israel and the Middle East. And then he has another part of the district that is very, very different. And I think it’s true for any member that we have to pay attention to all parts of our district.
George Latimer, a 70-year-old centrist Democrat, capitalized on these controversies and demographic changes. Latimer, who has served as a local and state official in Westchester County for three decades, emphasized his deep knowledge of the region and its needs. He criticized Bowman for being more focused on foreign affairs and national rhetoric than on local issues and constituent services.
Latimer's message resonated with voters who were looking for practical, community-focused governance. His victory is seen as a setback for the progressive wing and a sign that centrists may be gaining ground within the Democratic Party.
Bowman's defeat has broader implications for other progressive incumbents. The outcome has made progressives defensive regarding their political strategy and influence within the party. Rep. Cori Bush, another progressive Democrat, is facing a similar challenge with significant spending from AIPAC in her upcoming primary for her St. Louis district.
Despite the setback, progressives argue that Bowman's loss should not be seen as a broad indicator of the movement's decline. They point to specific factors in Bowman's race, such as redistricting and the substantial financial influence of AIPAC, as unique challenges.
Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, highlighted the need for progressives to avoid unnecessary mistakes that could make them targets for well-funded opposition. He stated:
The message to progressives is, stand by your values but don’t make unnecessary mistakes that can allow you to be singled out by right wing billionaires who want to make an example of someone.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman's loss in the primary to George Latimer marks a significant moment for the progressive movement within the Democratic Party. Factors such as redistricting, controversies, and substantial financial influence from AIPAC played crucial roles in the outcome. The defeat has raised concerns about the future of progressive incumbents and prompted a reevaluation of their strategies. Progressive leaders will need to address these challenges to maintain their influence and continue advocating for their values.
