Comments Come In After Congressman Loss
Big news from New York’s 16th district! Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a member of the progressive “squad,” has lost his primary race to George Latimer. This race was not only hotly contested but also the most expensive House primary in U.S. history. Latimer, who positions himself as a moderate Democrat, managed to unseat Bowman, who is known for his support of leftist policies like the Green New Deal.
Bowman pulled out all the stops to hold onto his seat. He went so far as to label Latimer a racist and a MAGA candidate, attempting to cast him in a negative light. In a desperate bid to rejuvenate his campaign, Bowman enlisted the help of high-profile progressives like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders. Despite these efforts, the voters chose Latimer, much to the delight of the GOP, who have been reveling in Bowman’s defeat.
I’m going to miss our informal chitchats in the hallways.pic.twitter.com/3ZRKzkwIdo
— Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) June 26, 2024
Rep. Mike Collins (R-GA) didn’t miss an opportunity to jab at Bowman, referencing an incident where Bowman allegedly pulled a fire alarm, mistakenly thinking it would open a door.
Reflecting on Bowman’s loss, some suggest that he could have had a different outcome if he had focused more on his constituents’ needs, avoided making antisemitic comments, and performed his duties more effectively. Over the years, other vulnerable incumbents have managed to scrape through, but Bowman’s approach may have contributed to his downfall.
Bye Bye Bowman 👋
From his juvenile fire alarm antics to his vile anti-Semitism to his profanity-laced tirades to his support for open borders & defunding police, Jamaal Bowman has been an embarrassment to his party, his district & our state.
Good riddance. pic.twitter.com/cyL1vIqXlh
— Nicole Malliotakis (@NMalliotakis) June 26, 2024
In his concession speech, Bowman suggested that his loss was due to voters being “brainwashed” by the flood of ads against him. He pointed to this as a significant factor in his defeat, implying that the sheer volume of negative advertising swayed public opinion.
Looks like the antisemitic Squad will now be down one hate-filled member. Our nation will be stronger with a Congress no longer disgraced by Jamaal Bowman’s presence.✌️ pic.twitter.com/u6L9ctAoZo
— Lee Zeldin (@LeeMZeldin) June 26, 2024
This defeat marks a significant blow to the progressive wing of the Democratic Party, with one squad member down and potentially more to follow. All eyes are now on Cori Bush (D-MO), who is considered one of the most vulnerable squad members and faces her election in August.