WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) lost to challenger George Latimer during the New York Democratic primary on Tuesday night in a blow to progressives.
“But this will be a battle for our humanity and justice for the rest of our lives,” Bowman said.
“You know, I think that the moderates have always been there, and they organized this time, and they got out and voted,” Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-N.Y.) said.
Suozzi says he expected this result and does not think this will change the focus for him and his colleagues.
“The good thing about the New York delegation is that, you know, we all work together and try to maintain a collegial environment,” Suozzi said.
Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) and Democratic leadership endorsed Bowman, but the former school principal could not pull out a victory.
“Jamaal Bowman’s a dedicated public servant. I wish him the best in the future. I look forward to working with the Democratic nominee George Latimer,” Aguilar said.
Republicans say this is a result of Bowman not understanding his district or voters.
“Somebody who didn’t understand the importance of relationships across the board. You had, almost every Democrat elected official in Westchester County endorsing his opponent,” Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) said.
Lawler says Bowman’s stance against Israel led to his downfall, and it could spell trouble for Democrats in November.
“This should send a message to people that being a pro-Hamas apologist, using their talking points to discredit the U.S. and Israel, doesn’t fly in America,” Lawler said.
Latimer will run for the seat in November, but Bowman hinted at running again in the future.
