Current:Home > ScamsPro-Israel Democrat to challenge US Rep. Jamaal Bowman in primary race next year-InfoLens
Pro-Israel Democrat to challenge US Rep. Jamaal Bowman in primary race next year
View Date:2024-12-23 11:19:35
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — A pro-Israel Democrat will challenge U.S. Rep. Jamaal Brown in the primary race for his congressional seat next year.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer announced his candidacy Wednesday for the New York district, which covers parts of the north Bronx and Westchester suburbs.
Bowman is one of the House’s most vocal critics of Israel, and Jewish community leaders have been encouraging Latimer to run since the eruption of the latest Israel-Hamas war. The 70-year-old launched his campaign with an ad criticizing Bowman’s stance on the conflict as well as his opposition to a major Democratic infrastructure bill.
“It’s the continual commentary from people who live in the district who feel that they are not represented properly from the incumbent,” Latimer said in an interview with the Associated Press. “His focus has been to make a national name for himself.”
Several other House Democrats are also facing primary challenges due in part to their stances on the war.
Latimer, who returned from a trip to Israel last week, stressed that Bowman’s stance on the conflict was only part of the reason he decided to run. He said will focus on progressive policies around housing and abortion, among others.
Bowman’s press office did not immediately return an emailed request for comment.
The congressman has condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel and rising antisemitism, but has also been critical of U.S. military aid to Israel and has made statements seen as inflammatory by Israel’s staunchest supporters.
Last month, Bowman said his office has been inundated with calls after he was among a few House members who opposed a resolution supporting Israel. He told a crowd a recent cease-fire rally that he opposed the resolution because, “I don’t believe it gives us a path forward to peace and justice for all people.”
“Every single life is precious, every single one,” he said. “We cannot allow the lives of anyone to be erased. This erasure of Palestinian lives and experience has been happening for decades.”
In September, Bowman drew national attention after he triggered a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building as lawmakers scrambled to pass a funding bill before a government shutdown deadline.
He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count for the move, but maintained it was a mistake as he tried to open a locked door while rushing to vote.
veryGood! (886)
Related
- Kevin Costner says he hasn't watched John Dutton's fate on 'Yellowstone': 'Swear to God'
- Jason Kelce’s appearance ‘super cool’ for Olympic underdog USA field hockey team
- Norah O'Donnell to step away as 'CBS Evening News' anchor this year
- Police union will not fight the firing of sheriff's deputy who fatally shot Sonya Massey
- NBPA reaches Kyle Singler’s family after cryptic Instagram video draws concern
- MLB playoff rankings: Top eight World Series contenders after trade deadline
- NYC’s latest crackdown on illegal weed shops is finally shutting them down
- US-Mexico border arrests are expected to drop 30% in July to a new low for Biden’s presidency
- Hurricane-stricken Tampa Bay Rays to play 2025 season at Yankees’ spring training field in Tampa
- Social Security benefits for retired workers, spouses and survivors: 4 things married couples must know
Ranking
- As Northeast wildfires keep igniting, is there a drought-buster in sight?
- Boar's Head recall expands to 7 million pounds of deli meat
- Georgia’s largest school district won’t teach Black studies course without state approval
- Jack Flaherty trade gives Dodgers another starter amid rotation turmoil
- Powerball winning numbers for November 11 drawing: Jackpot hits $103 million
- Biden prods Congress to act to curb fentanyl from Mexico as Trump paints Harris as weak on border
- Baseball's best bullpen? Tanner Scott trade huge for Padres at MLB deadline
- Why Olympian Stephen Nedoroscik Doesn't Need His Glasses for Head-Spinning Pommel Horse Routine
Recommendation
-
Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
-
The Daily Money: The long wait for probate
-
Delaney Schnell, Jess Parratto fail to add medals while Chinese diving stars shine
-
2024 Paris Olympics: Paychecks for Team USA Gold Medal Winners Revealed
-
Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
-
Microsoft’s cloud business powers 10% growth in quarterly profits
-
2024 Olympics: What USA Tennis' Emma Navarro Told “Cut-Throat” Opponent Zheng Qinwen in Heated Exchange
-
4 Suspects Arrested and Charged With Murder in Shooting Death of Rapper Julio Foolio