Progressive Democrat Jamaal Bowman Loses Primary Race
Moderate Challenger Backed by Pro-Israel Group
Bowman is the first member of the progressive "Squad" to lose a primary race.
Jamaal Bowman, a progressive Democrat who has served in the House since 2020, lost his primary race on Tuesday to a moderate challenger who was backed by a pro-Israel interest group.
Bowman was elected to the House during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 after he upset incumbent Eliot L. Engel in the primary. Bowman, a gregarious former middle school principal, is no stranger to intraparty fights.
Bowman's loss is a major setback for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. He is the first member of the progressive group of House lawmakers known as the "Squad" to lose a primary race.
Bowman's defeat is likely due to a number of factors, including his support for the "defund the police" movement and his opposition to Israel.
A pro-Israel interest group, the United Democracy Project, donated $1.45 million to Bowman's opponent, Assemblyman Vedat Gashi. The group's spending made it the most expensive House primary race in the country.
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