In a surprising turn of events, “Squad” member Rep. Jamaal Bowman faces significant challenges in securing a third term in the House of Representatives.
A recent poll reveals that George Latimer, the Westchester County Executive, holds a notable lead over Bowman among Democratic primary voters in New York’s 16th Congressional District. The district spans southern Westchester County and parts of the northeast Bronx.
Latimer’s advantage is particularly pronounced among Democrats with a consistent primary voting record, where he leads by 21 percentage points. Among those familiar with both candidates, Latimer’s lead widens to 26 points.
Bowman’s image suffers in comparison to Latimer, who enjoys a positive job performance rating from 68% of district Democrats, against Bowman’s 36%.
Mark Mellman, a seasoned Democratic pollster, commented on the stark contrast in public perception, highlighting the rarity of such negative ratings among co-partisans for an elected official not facing indictment.
Compounding Bowman’s challenges, he admitted guilt last year to a misdemeanor related to triggering a fire alarm in the Cannon House Office Building, an act aimed at delaying a critical House vote.
Furthermore, Bowman has faced criticism for his remarks on Israel and his prior actions as a school principal, including honoring a controversial figure. The poll also indicates a strong preference among Democratic voters in the district for U.S. support of Israel in Middle Eastern conflicts, aligning more closely with Latimer’s stance.
Responding to the poll’s findings, Bowman’s campaign labeled the survey as unreliable and criticized Mellman for his involvement in previous campaigns.
They also referenced a poll by the Working Families Party, which suggested broader support among district Democrats for a cease-fire in Gaza, aligning with Bowman’s position.