Could Westchester County Executive George Latimer win Jamal Bowman’s congressional seat?
WHITE PLAINS, Westchester County (WABC) — Nothing is official yet, but there is a lot of speculation that Westchester County Executive George Latimer could run for Rep. Jamal Bowman’s seat.
Latimer is encouraged by Jewish groups, some of which are unhappy with Bowman’s position on the Israel-Hamas war. These groups do not see him as 100% pro-Israel.
For George Latimer, the focus Thursday was on numbers and presenting the upcoming budget for Westchester County, although there is always politics involved.
“Democracy is chaotic. “Democracy doesn’t work as quickly as totalitarianism,” Latimer said.
The Democratic county executive is inching closer to announcing a run for the 16th Congressional District, which would mean he would pose a primary challenge to incumbent Jamal Bowman.
Latimer was a member of the State Assembly and State Senate. He has never lost a race he has entered.
“I know exactly what a district is supposed to represent, and these congressional districts are a larger version of what these districts are,” he said. “You have to know about your own government, you have to be able to write and support laws, it’s not just about the speeches you give.”
Bowman is in his second term. Last month, he pleaded guilty to setting off a fire alarm in Washington that delayed a House vote during the government funding debate.
He is a member of the far-left Democrats called “The Squad,” and recently Jewish groups have criticized his perceived lack of support for Israel.
He did not comment on the possible challenge Thursday but posted a video message on his Facebook page.
“When we call for a ceasefire, when we call for peace, when we call for justice, when we call for love, let’s continue to think about the children and let’s keep the children at the center because that’s what we should be fighting for,” Bowman said.
The 16th District includes all of southern Westchester and a small portion of the Bronx. Latimer is from Mount Vernon and says he was encouraged to run.
Political strategist Hank Sheinkopf commented on this.
“When people say ‘encouraged’ in politics, do you know what they mean? They mean the dough is available, the money they need to raise. Bowman has significant resources in his campaign coffers. Now Latimore will have what he needs to compete Well,” Sheinkopf said.
Latimer admits the clock is ticking and says he will make his announcement after an upcoming trip to Israel with other lawmakers.
The three-day solidarity mission is organized by the Westchester Jewish Council, which declined to comment.
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