Democratic Socialists back anti-Israel ‘Squad’ Rep. Jamaal Bowman in primary battle
The anti-Israel Democratic Socialists of America has formally endorsed embattled lefty “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman, who is facing a serious primary challenge from moderate Westchester County Executive George Latimer in the 16th Congressional District.
“Jamaal has been one of the strongest voices against genocide and for peace as many of his colleagues rush to warmonger,” the New York City DSA chapter said in a statement following Tuesday night’s endorsement vote.
“Together, we WILL defend this seat from AIPAC [the American Israel Public Affairs Committee] and pro-war extremists!,” the DSA added.
Bowman, who is seeking a third term, clashed with the DSA three years ago over a trip he made to Israel as well as his vote in September 2021 to replenish funding for the Jewish state’s Iron Dome missile defense system.
But with limited polling indicating Bowman is in deep trouble in his race against Latimer, the congressman reached out to DSA seeking an official endorsement ahead of the June 25 primary.
Latimer was quick to respond to the endorsement, saying in a statement on X: “After desperately begging for support from a group that wants to pull the US out of NATO; end sanctions against Russia, North Korea, and Iran; wipe Israel off the map; stonewall President Biden’s agenda; and legalize fentanyl, my opponent was endorsed by DSA.”
DSA chapters have urged Democrats to vote “uncommitted” in their state’s presidential primaries instead of President Biden to “show their solidarity with Palestine” and demand a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.
Last October, NYC’s DSA chapter was forced to apologize for promoting a rally in Times Square just after the bloody Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel that killed an estimated 1,200 people — including 33 Americans.
During that infamous demonstration, protesters were seen stomping on Israel’s flag and one was spotted flashing a swastika.
Latimer also has slammed Bowman for some of his public stances on the Israel-Hamas war.
During a recent debate, Bowman argued that the phrase “From the river to the sea” — which is generally interpreted as a call to eradicate the Jewish state — wasn’t hateful. Latimer countered that the phrase is commonly understood as antisemitic and genocidal.
Bowman was also captured on video last November calling Israel an “apartheid” state as he angrily claimed reported rapes and child murders during the Oct. 7 attack were a “lie.”
He later walked back the comments.
Bowman is also backed by the left-leaning Working Families Party, fellow Squad member Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey, chairman of the Bronx Democratic Party.
Latimer has the backing of the Westchester Democratic establishment, as well as pro-Israel and Jewish Democrats.
The incumbent’s rhetorical baggage and left-wing positions are not the only obstacles he has to overcome to win the primary.
The Republican-led House voted in December to censure Bowman for pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building Sept. 30 in order to delay a vote to avert a government shutdown.
He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count Oct. 26 of falsely pulling the fire alarm and agreed to pay a $1,000 fine, insisting it was an innocent mistake.
Bowman is part of an informal group of far-left House members, dubbed “The Squad” by their acolytes, that includes neighboring Ocasio-Cortez and Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts, Rashida Tlaib of Michigan and Cori Bush of Missouri.
