Rep. Jamaal Bowman, part of the “Squad,” expressed his disapproval of Hillary Clinton’s endorsement of his primary opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, during a recent appearance on CNN. Bowman downplayed the significance of Clinton’s endorsement, highlighting the support he has received from prominent left-wing figures and organizations, such as Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders, as well as Hakeem Jeffries, the minority leader of the Democratic Party.
In response to Clinton’s endorsement of Latimer, Bowman criticized both politicians’ stance on Israel’s conflict in Gaza, accusing them of supporting an “unjust attack on civilians.” He argued that the money allocated to Israel for the conflict could be better utilized in their district for essential services like childcare, housing, and transportation.
The ongoing feud between Bowman and Latimer escalated during a recent debate, with Latimer accusing Bowman of neglecting White and Asian residents in parts of Westchester County and the Bronx. In return, Bowman labeled his opponent as being influenced by Republican billionaires who aim to undermine voting rights, reproductive rights, and affirmative action, as well as being racist towards Black and Muslim communities.
Despite facing criticism from his opponent, Bowman remains confident in his endorsements and support base, including backing from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and organizations like Planned Parenthood and 1199SEIU. He emphasized that these endorsements will play a crucial role in winning the upcoming race.
The rivalry between Bowman and Latimer underscores the ideological divides within the Democratic Party, particularly on issues related to foreign policy and racial justice. As the primary election approaches, it remains to be seen how these contrasting visions will resonate with voters in New York’s 16th Congressional district.