Hillary Clinton endorses George Latimer in challenge to unseat Jamaal Bowman
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Bowman’s prospects for re-election are becoming increasingly bleak as Bowman receives nod from Democratic heavyweight.
Hillary Clinton, who endorsed Jamaal Bowman’s formidable opponent just hours after Bowman accused him yet again of racism, helped to deal another blow on Wednesday to the vulnerable Rep.
Clinton’s nomination is the most prominent in the primary. It has become more acrimonious as Westchester County executive George Latimer gains momentum against the incumbent. Bowman has a number of high-profile supporters, including Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren.
Clinton’s support came just a few hours after Bowman harshly criticized Latimer during an unrelated event in suburban Mount Vernon.
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The incumbent stated that “he’s in the pockets of Republican billionaires who are racist.” “He’s not only anti-Black, but he is anti-Muslim.”
The bitter primary in Westchester County, and the Bronx, has been dominated by allegations of racism.
The former secretary of State and 2016 Democratic presidential nominee posted a message on X. “In Congress @LatimerforNY, will fight for President Biden’s agenda, protect abortion rights and stand up to NRA. Just like he has always done.”
Clinton’s statement that she supports Biden’s vision of the country is in line with the Latimer Coalition’s message. His coalition has highlighted Bowman’s voting against the bipartisan plan for infrastructure that Biden championed. Bowman said that his vote was not critical to the passing of the law, and he wanted social spending to be promoted.
Bowman will be battling against a local leader who is well known in the Democratic Party for a third term. This primary will test Democratic sentiments on the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Latimer is a beneficiary of a multimillion dollar campaign from pro-Israel AIPAC. Bowman’s criticisms of the Jewish State are in stark contrast with mainstream Democrats.
Latimer responded to Clinton’s support with a statement that read: “Her voice gives more momentum to our grassroots campaigns, which keep gaining strength, because we stand firmly and honestly for our beliefs and our values, and we believe in delivering meaningful outcomes for the communities we service.”
The announcement by his campaign that Clinton would be supporting him came before the first day early voting for the primary. It was accompanied with a list local leaders and union groups who now support him.