Record $23M Spent in NY-16 Primary as Bowman Faces AIPAC-Backed Challenge Ahead of June 25 Election

Jun 20, 2024, 04:37 PM

The Democratic primary for New York’s 16th Congressional District has become the most expensive House primary ever, with a record $23 million spent, primarily aimed at unseating incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman. Pro-Israel political groups, particularly AIPAC, have been heavily involved, spending $14.5 million, up to $17,000 an hour, to support Bowman’s challenger, George Latimer. Bowman, a member of the progressive 'Squad', has been vocal against AIPAC, accusing them of using 'Republican racist MAGA Trump money' and not wanting to see 'Black and brown, working-class people rising up'. Despite the financial onslaught, Bowman has support from prominent progressives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, who are campaigning for him. Bowman is currently trailing Latimer by 17 points among likely Democratic voters, making him a potential first incumbent House Democrat to lose a primary this year. The primary election is set for June 25. Bowman’s final debate against Latimer saw heated exchanges, with Latimer facing accusations of using racist tactics. Bowman’s campaign has contacted over 100,000 voters in an effort to rally support.