In a significant political development, Hillary Clinton has thrown her support behind George Latimer, delivering a substantial setback to Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s (D-N.Y.) reelection bid amid a contentious primary race marked by allegations of racism.
What Happened: The former Secretary of State took to X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday and said that “With Trump on the ballot, we need strong, principled Democrats in Congress more than ever.”
Clinton has endorsed George Latimer, striking a significant blow to Bowman’s campaign. This high-profile endorsement comes amidst a heated primary and Bowman’s recent accusations of racism against Latimer, reported Politico.
“In Congress, [Latimer] will protect abortion rights, stand up to the NRA, and fight for President Biden's agenda—just like he's always done.”
Clinton’s endorsement is seen as pivotal in the increasingly contentious primary. Bowman, a member of The Squad, has faced criticism from Latimer for voting against the bipartisan infrastructure plan supported by President Joe Biden. Clinton’s support aligns with Latimer’s message of upholding Biden’s agenda, including protecting abortion rights and challenging the NRA.
Bowman, who is seeking a third term, has been vocal about his stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict, drawing a clear line between his views and those of mainstream Democrats. This has become a focal point in the primary, with Latimer’s campaign bolstered by significant funding from pro-Israel AIPAC. Both the U.S. Department of State and the European Union's European Council have placed Hamas in their foreign terrorist organization lists.
In response to Clinton’s backing, Latimer expressed that her endorsement adds momentum to his grassroots campaign, emphasizing a commitment to community service and core values. The announcement precedes the early voting period for the primary, with Latimer also securing support from local leaders and labor groups.
Why It Matters: Clinton’s endorsement of George Latimer not only influences the immediate primary but also reflects broader Democratic Party dynamics. Clinton has been outspoken against the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency. In April, she criticized Trump for admiring authoritarian leaders and suggested he would emulate their tactics if re-elected.
Later in May, Clinton accused Trump of attempting to bribe fossil fuel CEOs to dismantle Biden’s climate initiatives. Her endorsement of Latimer, who supports Biden’s agenda, can be seen as part of her broader effort to oppose Trump’s influence and policies.
Clinton’s recent comments underscore the stakes of the upcoming elections, where she has emphasized the importance of electing Democrats who will protect key policies and stand against opposition figures like Trump.
This story was generated using Benzinga Neuro and edited by Shivdeep Dhaliwal
© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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