New York’s 16th congressional district saw incumbent Congressman Jamaal Bowman lose to George Latimer in a costly and high-stakes primary contest. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) had a significant impact on this contest, which turned into the most costly House primary in American history. Latimer’s campaign received around $25 million in funding, much exceeding Bowman’s $3 million expenditure. As the first Black congressman from the area and a progressive member of the “Squad,” Bowman has been outspoken in his criticism of Israel’s treatment of the Palestinian people, charging it with genocide and casting doubt on American support for Tel Aviv. Bowman said that AIPAC was trying to “buy” the election, saying, “We should be outraged when a Super PAC of dark money can spend $20 million to brainwash people into believing something that isn’t true.”
Lobby defeats black candidate
Latimer won the election with a big boost from wealthy areas with sizable Jewish communities, thanks to the assistance of well-known individuals like Hillary Clinton. Latimer, a longtime Westchester official, emphasized the racial and economic divides within the district, which encompasses both wealthy suburbs and impoverished neighborhoods like the Bronx. He called for the return of hostages captured by Hamas prior to any ceasefire, a position that struck a chord with many voters. The main topic of discussion between the candidates was the Gaza War, with Latimer’s defense of Israel and Bowman’s pro-Palestinian position diverging significantly. Bowman was at odds with pro-Israel and centrist Democratic Party sections since he had also denounced Israeli assault in Gaza and advocated for a ceasefire. “Never before in history has a powerful special interest spent so much money trying to defeat a candidate,” said Bernie Sanders, endorsing Bowman. “This election is not about Jamaal versus Mr. Latimer,” Sanders continued. The question in this election is whether the oligarchy and the billionaire class will continue to dominate American politics.
Israel lobby shapes primary outcome
The loss of Bowman incited dismay and rage among progressive organizations. More than a dozen groups, including Jewish Voice for Peace Action and the Center for Popular Democracy Action, raised “dire concerns” about the party’s ongoing affiliation with AIPAC in a letter to House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. “AIPAC and other Super PACs spent over $23 million to defeat Bowman,” the letter said. He invested $3 million. It is almost difficult to close that budget disparity. Another “Squad” member, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, emerged victorious in her primary, suggesting that AIPAC’s power is considerable but not unbeatable. However, Bowman’s loss represents a turning point for progressive Democratic Party views. Jewish Voice for Peace Action’s political director, Beth Miller, referred to the outcome as “a sad day for American democracy.” “To protect progressive candidates moving forward, Democrats must reject AIPAC,” she said, emphasizing the necessity for Democrats to oppose the organization. Bowman’s loss highlights a larger pattern of pro-Israel organizations stepping up their influence in Democratic primaries in an effort to counter the party base’s rising pro-Palestinian views, especially among younger voters.
Lobby power in costly primary
AIPAC is funding Democratic politicians, many of whom are supported by affluent backers who have previously contributed to Republican elections. The ideals of justice, peace, and equality that many progressive politicians support are in danger of being undermined by the powerful influence of lobby groups like AIPAC. Big Money purchases politicians who will carry out their wishes, and the consequences are evident, as Sanders so eloquently stated. A concerted effort by the Israeli government, dubbed the “PR Commando Unit,” to influence American political discourse and electoral outcomes was revealed by recent investigations. This program, which goes by the names “Concert” or “Voices of Israel,” is said to have allotted millions of dollars to secretly finance government propaganda in the United States and other Western nations.New York congressman Jamaal Bowman lost a primary challenge to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a notorious organization, primarily because of an unprecedented amount of funding. This upset shows the growing power of pro-Israel lobby groups in US politics. AIPAC and affiliated organizations invested close to $25 million in the contest, which turned into the most costly House of Representatives primary in history, in an attempt to remove the incumbent left-wing congressman.
Israel lobby Sways Primary
Bowman’s defeat is a major setback for the political left, but it’s unclear if similar tactics will work against other progressive Democrats who could be more resilient to primary challenges. Despite this, the contest has highlighted the profound rifts within the Democratic Party about Israel’s settler-colonization of Palestine and brought up significant issues regarding the impact of foreign interference on American democracy.
