Far-left “Squad” Rep. Jamaal Bowman is facing a significant challenge in the upcoming Democratic primary, trailing his opponent George Latimer by 17 points, according to a new poll.
The Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill survey shows Latimer, the Westchester County executive, with 48% support among Democratic primary voters in New York’s 16th Congressional District, compared to 31% for Bowman, a two-term incumbent. The poll also noted that 21% of voters remain undecided.
The Israel-Hamas conflict appears to be a major factor in the race. Latimer, 70, has taken a strong pro-Israel stance, while Bowman, 48, has faced criticism for his past comments about Israel, including calling it an “apartheid state” in a heated moment and later retracting the statement. The poll found that 45% of voters align more with Latimer on the war, compared to 29% for Bowman, with 26% unsure.
Bowman has also struggled with controversies and criticisms during his tenure. He was censured by the Republican-led House for pulling a fire alarm in a Capitol Hill office building, which he claimed was a mistake. Additionally, his shifting stance on the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel has drawn attention.
Initially opposing BDS, Bowman recently indicated support for the movement during a Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) Zoom summit, likely seeking their endorsement in the primary.
Latimer, a seasoned politician with a long career in Westchester County, is perceived more favorably by voters. The poll showed that 65% of voters have a favorable view of Latimer, while 51% view Bowman favorably. Among different demographics, Latimer leads significantly among white voters, while Bowman holds a narrower lead among Black voters. Hispanic voters are evenly split between the two candidates.
The primary voters in the district are primarily concerned with the economy (22%) and housing affordability (21%), followed by threats to democracy, healthcare, crime, and immigration.
Early voting for the primary begins on Saturday, and the final outcome will hinge on how effectively both candidates can mobilize their supporters in the closing days of the campaign.
