**Squad Member Faces Ouster from Congress as New York, Colorado, and Utah Hold Primaries on Tuesday**
MOUNT VERNON, N.Y. — A heated Democratic primary battle in New York’s 16th Congressional District is drawing national attention as voters head to the polls on Tuesday. The race pits two-term Rep. Jamaal Bowman, a member of the progressive “Squad,” against Westchester County Executive George Latimer. This contest highlights the deep divisions within the Democratic Party, particularly over the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Bowman, a former middle school principal who unseated 16-term Rep. Eliot Engel four years ago, now faces the possibility of becoming the first Squad member to be ousted from Congress. The race has already set a record as the most expensive congressional primary in U.S. history, with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) spending approximately $14 million to support Latimer.
Bowman has been vocal in his support for Palestinians and has accused Israel of committing genocide, a stance that has made him a target for pro-Israel groups. At a recent rally in the Bronx, Bowman, flanked by progressive heavyweights Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, used strong language to rally his supporters. “We are going to show f—ing AIPAC the power of the motherf—ing South Bronx!” he declared.
Latimer, a former state senator, has criticized Bowman’s rhetoric as inappropriate and has focused on a more moderate platform. He has garnered endorsements from local mayors, council members, and even former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Latimer has also been supported by a diverse group of clergy leaders from the district.
While the Israel-Hamas conflict is a significant issue in this primary, it is not the only one. Bowman has faced criticism for his confrontational style in Congress, including an incident where he pulled a fire alarm during a vote on government funding. He has also been attacked for voting against President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill and against raising the debt limit.
Despite the challenges, Bowman remains defiant. “This race has gotten national attention because it is the ultimate many versus the money race, and we are the many, we are the people,” he said at a campaign event. He argued that special interest billionaires should not be allowed to buy a congressional seat.
Age and race also play a role in this primary. Bowman, 48, is Black and represents a new generation of Democratic leaders, while Latimer, 70, is white and emphasizes traditional retail politics.
While the Bowman-Latimer race is the most high-profile contest in Tuesday’s primaries, it is not the only one worth watching. In New York’s 1st Congressional District, former Fox News analyst John Avlon is running against former Stony Brook University professor Nancy Goroff in the Democratic primary. The winner will face Republican Rep. Nick LaLota in November.
In Colorado, seven Republicans are vying to succeed GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert in the state’s competitive 3rd Congressional District. Boebert has opted to run in the more Republican-friendly 4th Congressional District after a narrow win in 2022. She is favored to win the seat left vacant by retiring GOP Rep. Ken Buck.
In Utah, the battle to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Mitt Romney is heating up. Romney, a vocal critic of former President Trump, has not endorsed a candidate. Trump is backing Riverton Mayor Trent Staggs, who also has the support of the Utah GOP. However, Rep. John Curtis, a former Democrat and environmental activist, leads in fundraising.
Utah’s Republican Gov. Spencer Cox, another Trump critic, faces a primary challenge from Phil Lyman, a 2020 election denier who won the state party convention. Trump has remained neutral in this race.
In Illinois, two incumbents are guaranteed to lose in member-versus-member primaries. Republican Reps. Rodney Davis and Mary Miller are locked in a contentious battle in the 15th District, while Democratic Reps. Sean Casten and Marie Newman are competing in the 6th District.
In Mississippi, Republican Reps. Michael Guest and Steven M. Palazzo face well-funded challengers in runoffs. Guest finished second to Navy veteran Michale Cassidy in the 3rd District primary, while Palazzo finished first in a seven-candidate field but failed to secure a majority.
In Nebraska, a special election will fill the remaining term of former GOP Rep. Jeff Fortenberry in the 1st District. Republican Mike Flood and Democrat Patty Pansing Brooks are the candidates.
Oklahoma Rep. Markwayne Mullin is one of 13 Republicans vying to fill the remainder of Sen. James M. Inhofe’s term. Mullin’s name recognition and fundraising advantage make him a frontrunner, but a crowded field could push the race to an August runoff.
In Colorado, the Republican primary to challenge Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet features construction company owner Joe O’Dea and state Rep. Ron Hanks. O’Dea, who supports some abortion rights and accepts Biden’s 2020 victory, is seen as a stronger general election candidate. Hanks, who opposes all abortions and supports Trump’s false election claims, is backed by Democratic groups hoping to face a weaker opponent in November.
As voters head to the polls, these primaries will not only shape the November elections but also reflect the broader ideological battles within both major parties.
Source: Fox News, CQ Roll Call
