NEW YORK – CBS News Projects George Latimer has won the closely followed Democratic Primary Elections in New York's 16th Congressional District, beating incumbent Jamaal Bowman.
It was the most expensive House primary race in US history: more than $25 million was raised and spent.
A recent Emerson College poll showed Latimer, who entered the race in December, leading Bowman significantly 48 percent to 31 percent, with 21 percent of voters undecided.
The race divided prominent Democrats. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez endorsed Bowman, while Latimer was endorsed by former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, resident in Westchester County, as well as Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey. along with Bowman's former ally Mondaire Jones.
What's at stake?
The race has been heavily scrutinized because it was seen as a battle between the left and centrist wings of the Democratic party. A basic distinction between Bowman and Latimer was his views on the Israel-Hamas war. Bowman, the incumbent, has been highly critical of Israel's response to the October 7 Hamas attack and has called for a ceasefire.
Latimer currently serves as Westchester County Executive. he is great support for Israel since the attackeven visiting the country.
Another point of interest to political observers is that Bowman is also a member of the so-called “Squad,” which includes Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez i Ilhan Omar. Bowman is the first member of the “Squad” to lose a career, unseated by a center fielder.
“One side has enormous resources, and the other side has organizational capacity. What we're going to see here is whether the money trumps the bodies on the streets, and it likely will,” said political strategist Hank Sheinkopf.
Sprint to the end
Meanwhile, it was a sprint to the finish line for both candidates, who had busy days. Bowman visited several polling places, while Latimer focused his time on local businesses.
“This is the many versus the money. We can't let big money come into our district and buy our district,” Bowman said.
“People on the far left, the Squad, are all about making statements and trying to move the dialogue. I'm not worried about moving the dialogue. I want to see if we can solve the problems,” Latimer said.
The voters have their say
The flood of ads seemed to affect some, but others said it's the day-to-day issues and day-to-day performance that inform their decisions.
“Some people said vote for Bowman, but then why does he get so much negative press?” said one voter, who added that the ads had influenced his decision.
“Health care is always an issue. Crime is always an issue,” said voter Jacob Mobley.
“Someone who is loyal, consistent and not just showing up to vote, but someone who will actually be here consistently,” said voter Zamirah El-Amin.
