Latimer Files To Take On Bowman For Congressional Seat

SEE UPDATE: It's Official: Latimer Tells New York Times He Will Challenge Bowman

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A controversial member of "the squad" will likely see a primary challenge from a veteran Westchester Democrat.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer took a key step on Monday toward throwing his hat in the ring to face off against controversial incumbent Rep. Jamal Bowman. Latimer has 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.

Latimer is widely expected to officially announce his candidacy this week.

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 have been reticent to fully support Israel in the days following the attacks.

In remarks following the county executive's return from the four-day trip to Israel, however, he focused on the need to protect democracy here at home, warning of growing homegrown extremism and comparing our representative system in the United States to the famed Israeli missile defense system.

"What if that Iron Dome fails?" Latimer pondered. "What if, through the 'small-d' democratic process, we wind up with a totalitarian leadership that is prepared to do away with democracy?"