Meet George Latimer, the Westchester executive who beat Jamaal Bowman in the New York primary

Updated on June 26, 2024 at 07:28 IST

George Latimer, a Westchester County executive, defeated “team member” Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) in the 16th District Democratic primary on Tuesday. The 70-year-old is now the frontrunner to face Republican Madeline Brame in the Nov. 5 election. Latimer is a former state legislator who has served as Westchester County executive since 2018.

George Latimer beat Jamaal Bowman in New York

George LatimerWestchester County executive beat ‘team member’ Jamal Bowman (D-NY) in the 16th District Democratic primary Tuesday. The 70-year-old is now the favorite for a battle against Republican Madeline Brame in the Nov. 5 election. Latimer is a former state legislator who has served as Westchester County executive since 2018.

A pro-Israel centrist, Latimer almost certainly ousted one of Congress’s most liberal voices and one of its most vocal critics of Israel. Bowman accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have died in military strikes.

Bowman was seeking a third term, representing a district in the northern suburbs of New York. His defeat is a blow to the progressive wing of the party and a potential warning to candidates trying to shape their message around the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Latimer will be the heavy favorite to win the general election. The district, which includes parts of Westchester and a small part of the Bronx, is a Democratic stronghold.

George Latimer has served as Westchester County Executive in New York since early 2018. In addition to serving as a United States Congressional Representative for New York’s 12th District, Latimer also worked as a State Senator of New York for the 37th District also working for the New York State Assembly. He also served in local administrative seats such as the Rye City Council and the Westchester County Board of Legislators. Latimer’s work on various issues has focused on the areas of taxation or money, the environment and health.