Democratic Socialists of America Considers Aiding Bowman
By Dan Murphy
On March 28, the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee voted unanimously to endorse Democrat George Latimer for Congress for NY-16. Latimer continues to win overwhelming support from local Democrats and Democratic Committees across the 16th Congressional District. To date, Latimer’s opponent has not been endorsed by any Democratic committees in NY-16.
Some democrats were expecting Bowman to get the support of at least one democratic committee in Westchester, with Mount Vernon, Yonkers and New Rochelle the three most likely. All three endorsed Latimer. Bowman did not show up for the Mount Vernon Democrats meeting, and his name was not placed into nomination.
“I am a proud son of Mount Vernon – this amazing city is where my family put down roots and thrived, which is why I am incredibly moved to earn the support of the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee,” said NY-16 Congresional Candidate George Latimer. “Our campaign keeps gaining momentum across this district because we’re talking about delivering real results for every community. From creating jobs and investing in infrastructure to getting guns off our streets and protecting women’s rights, my track record speaks for itself, and I’m running to take action on all these issues in Washington.”
“George is a son of our great city and has a lifetime of history as part of – and delivering for – our community,” said Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee Chair Mary L. Graves. “George knows our families and the challenges our city faces, and we’ve seen the results of his work – investing in our community, rescuing Memorial Field, getting guns off our streets and standing up for our rights and our quality of life. I am proud to endorse George for Congress, and the Mount Vernon Democrats will be out in force to make sure he wins.”
In addition to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee, Latimer has also been endorsed by:
- Mamaroneck Town Democratic Committee
- Harrison Democratic Committee
- Pelham Democratic Committee
- Scarsdale Democratic Committee
- Rye Town Democratic Committee
- White Plains Democratic Committee
- Rye City Democratic Committee
- Eastchester Democratic Committee
- CSEA
- Westchester County Legislator Nancy Barr
- Westchester County Legislator Judah Holstein
- Westchester County Legislator Catherine Parker
- Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo
- Westchester County Legislator Ben Boykin
- Mayor Sarah Bauer, Larchmont
- Mayor Luis Marino, Port Chester
- Supervisor Gary Zuckerman, Rye Town
- Ret. Congress Member Nita Lowey
- Ret. Congress Member Eliot Engel
- State Senator Shelley Mayer
- State Assembly Member Amy Paulin
- International Union of Operating Engineers
- Laborers International Union of North America
- Italian American Democrats
- Mason Tenders District Council
Bowman recently got the endorsement from House Democratic Majority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. “We stand together to endorse our colleague Jamaal Bowman for re-election. Congressman Bowman’s life experiences––raised by a single mom in public housing and founding a public school serving low-income children in the Bronx––have shaped him into a public servant who fights for economic justice and in defense of historically underrepresented communities,” said House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark, and Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar. “Congressman Bowman has delivered for his district, battled the proliferation of deadly ghost guns, and fought hard to lower prescription drug prices, invest in our schools, and create new, good-paying jobs. We look forward to our continued work together on the campaign trail, as we battle extreme MAGA Republicans in the House of Representatives.”
The Working Families Party, (WFP) recently highlighted a poll which found that a majority of residents in the 16th district support a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza. The poll, conducted by Upswing Research & Strategy found that 69% of respondents indicated they would be more likely to support a candidate who supports a ceasefire, while only 22% of respondents agreed with the second statement. These sentiments are even more strongly pronounced with young voters and Black voters, with 74% of young voters agreeing with the pro-ceasefire statement and 84% of Black voters agreeing.
While Latimer recently called for a ceasefire in Gaza, Bowman has been the most vocal about the ceasefire, and in his condemnation of Israel. Bowman has called the Israel invasion of Gaza after the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7 “a genocide,” and has recently called for the removal of Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu.
“The majority of Gaza has already been destroyed through acts of collective punishment by this maniac, Benjamin Netanyahu… He needs to be removed. He is a blockade to a pathway to peace…The majority of my district supports a permanent ceasefire. We need a permanent ceasefire,” said Bowman.
Bowman recently switched his views on whether rapes and other attrocites against Israeli’s on Oct. 7, in which terrorists slaughtered 1,200 people in southern Israel and seized 253 hostages, actually occurred. After being heard on video at a rally in White Plains in Nov. saying “There was propaganda used at the beginning of the siege,” Bowman now says, “The UN confirmed that Hamas committed rape and sexual violence, a reprehensible fact that I condemn entirely.”
The Lower Hudson Valley Democratic Socialists of America, (DSA), is holding a meeting this weekend to vote on whether to aid Jamaal Bowman’s campaign for re-election. While Bowman is no longer a member of DSA, will he condemn their support or aid, if they provide it?
The Jewish Democratic Council of America announced its endorsement of Latimer last week with 21 other candidates, including former Congressman Mondaire Jones, who is running in Westchester’s other congressional district, NY-17 against Congressman Mike Lawler.
Ron Klein, JDCA chair, said, “The incompetence of congressional Republicans and the extremism of Donald Trump are a dangerous duo for Jewish Americans. These endorsees not only share our fundamental values as Jewish Americans, but they are experienced leaders who stand fervently against the right-wing extremism that puts our community at risk.”
Susie Stern, JDCA chair-elect, added, “As a proud New Yorker, I recognize that the road to reclaiming the House majority runs through our state. With JDCA’s support, we have an opportunity to defeat Republicans who would enable Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda. George Latimer, a longtime progressive leader in Westchester County and a partner to Jewish New Yorkers, resolutely stands behind our community when challenging moments arise, including the current one.”
“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of the Jewish Democratic Council of America. Their work promoting Democratic values and fighting Donald Trump aligns with what we have delivered for the people of New York, from stopping gun violence to protecting a woman’s right to choose; expanding civil rights, defending democracy at home and abroad, supporting Israel, fighting bigotry and antisemitism, and protecting our environment. As we continue to build our grassroots campaign, their support will be vital for making sure every voice is heard in this critical election.”
