First congressional Democrat endorses George Latimer over Jamaal Bowman in NY primary battle
New Jersey Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Monday became the first congressional Democrat to endorse George Latimer over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in their bitter New York primary battle.
“I’m proud to endorse [Latimer],” Gottheimer wrote on X. “We need more commonsense leaders and problem solvers in Congress.
“I know George will fight hate in all forms, and stand up for the values we all believe in,” he added.
Latimer, who serves as Westchester County executive, previously secured high-profile endorsements from former Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and the influential American Israel Public Affairs Committee in his bid to win the16th Congressional District Democratic primary.
He is taking on Bowman, the incumbent “Squad” lawmaker, during Tuesday’s primary race for a district that covers parts of Westchester County and The Bronx.
Former Empire State reps Mondaire Jones, Nita Lowey and Eliot Engel have also said they are backing Latimer.
Israel’s war against Hamas has been the flashpoint of the race between Latimer and Bowman.
Bowman, 48, was an early proponent of a cease-fire and has implied that a genocide is unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, Latimer has called his opponent’s rhetoric on Israel “extremist” and has campaigned on his strong support for Israel during the war.
Gottheimer is a staunch supporter of Israel.
The Garden State representative was one of more than two dozen House Democrats to express deep concern last month about President Biden’s decision to withhold military aid from Israel.
Gottheimer has also taken a strong stand against antisemitism. He supported legislation earlier this year that would bolster protections for Jewish college students, and in April, he demanded that Columbia University’s Board of Trustees either move to disband anti-Israel encampments or resign.
Despite Gottheimer’s snub, Bowman has the support of a number of Democratic colleagues on Capitol Hill, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and fellow far-left Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and socialist Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.).
An Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey released last week showed Bowman trailing Latimer by 17 points – 48% to 31% – in the race.
