It's Official: Latimer Announces He Will Challenge Bowman in Primary

WESTCHESTER, NY — Rep. Jamal Bowman will see a primary challenger with an impressive political pedigree.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer told the New York Times he will seek to oust the incumbent in a primary ahead of the general election in November. The newspaper reports that Latimer already has a network of donors aligned with Israel in place.

"These are difficult times. New Yorkers need a Congressmember who will listen to every voice, not just those who agree with him, and who will deliver on the issues that matter," Latimer said in a statement released Wednesday morning, confirming his intention to run. "I'm running for Congress because I know we need new leadership— and I'm ready to deliver."

Bowman, a sometimes controversial member of "the squad," rose to national prominence after defeating 16-term incumbent Eliot Engel as a primary challenger.

On Monday, Westchester County Executive George Latimer took a key step toward throwing his hat in the ring. He filed an FEC Form 2 allowing Westchester County government's highest ranking elected official to raise money for a potential run for the congressional seat.

SEE ALSO: Latimer Files To Take On Bowman For Congressional Seat

The 16th district includes the Wakefield portion of the northern Bronx and southern parts of Westchester County, including White Plains, Mount Vernon, Yonkers, New Rochelle and Rye. Latimer is a Rye resident.

Bowman has drawn controversy for calls for an immediate end to fighting in Gaza. According to an Oct. 31, New York Times report, backlash from his stance on the war set the stage for a likely primary fight. Latimer, meanwhile, has been a staunch supporter of Israel's actions in response to the terror attacks of October 7.

Latimer filed to run a matter of hours after returning from a trip to Israel with a delegation of Westchester County lawmakers sponsored by the Westchester Jewish Council. He has been critical of fellow Democrats who had been reticent to fully support Israel in the days following the attacks.