Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has endorsed Westchester County Mayor George Latimer, who is seeking to unseat Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) in the New York State Democratic primary for the House of Representatives.
“With Trump running, we need strong, principled Democrats in Congress more than ever,” Clinton said. Written on Wednesday, X“In Parliament, translator Protect abortion rights, stand up to the NRA, and fight for President Biden’s policies. Make a plan to vote by June 25th.
The race in New York’s 16th Congressional District has intensified in recent weeks, with Democrats and other major groups divided over Latimer and Bowman’s positions on the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
Latimer has repeatedly voiced pro-Israel views, which contrasts with Bowman, who was among the progressive senators who supported a ceasefire resolution in the House of Representatives in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks.
The Westchester County mayor praised Clinton’s endorsement, saying it gives the campaign “huge momentum” just days before the New York election. Early voting period begins This will take place on Saturday. The primary election is June 25th.
“I am incredibly honored to have the support of Secretary Clinton, who has an unparalleled track record of fighting for women’s rights, the health and safety of children, and a more peaceful and politically stable world,” Latimer said in a statement.
“Her voice adds further momentum to our grassroots movement, which continues to gain momentum because we remain strong and true to our values and our belief in delivering meaningful results for the communities we serve,” he added.
Latimer has also received support from the pro-Israel American Israel Public Affairs Committee and former Congressman Mondaire Jones (D-NY), who is running in New York’s 17th Congressional District.
Jones faced backlash for endorsing Latimer, leading the Congressional Progressives PAC to withdraw its support for him earlier this month.
Meanwhile, a range of progressives have voiced their support for Bowman, including Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), who announced hours before Clinton’s post that he would campaign for the Democrat at a rally in the Bronx on June 22.
“Funded by right-wing billionaires, AIPAC supports radical Republican candidates. They plan to spend $100 million this year against progressives, including $25 million against Republicans. Jamaal Bowman NY“Democrats must come together to take on super PACs,” Sanders said Wednesday. @AOC In New York.”
A new Emerson College Polling/PIX11/The Hill poll released Tuesday showed Latimer leading Bowman by 17 points.
The poll found that 51% of likely Democratic primary voters in Bowman’s district have a favorable view of the incumbent governor, compared with 43% who have an unfavorable view. By contrast, 65% said they had a favorable view of Latimer and 23% had an unfavorable view of the county mayor.
