Hillary Clinton endorses Jamaal Bowman's primary challenger

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gave an endorsement on Wednesday, to George Latimer who is running against incumbent New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman.

Bowman and Latimer have split the Democratic Party in New York's 16th Congressional district because of opposing views on the Israel-Hamas war. Bowman, a progressive, has been vocally pro-Palestine, whereas Latimer has publicly supported Israel.

Clinton urged New Yorkers to support Latimer, who she claimed would support policies enacted by the Biden administration. Latimer currently works as the Westchester County executive.

“With Trump on the ballot, we need strong, principled Democrats in Congress more than ever,” Clinton posted to the social platform X. “In Congress, @LatimerforNY will protect abortion rights, stand up to the NRA, and fight for President Biden’s agenda—just like he’s always done. Make a plan to vote by June 25th!

The endorsement comes just days before early voting in the state's primaries begins. Early voting will start on Saturday, but the primary itself is held on Tuesday, June 25. 

Latimer celebrated Clinton's endorsement in a statement to The Hill. He also has the support of former New York Rep. Mondaire Jones, who is running in the neighboring district, district 17.

“It is such a deep honor to have the support of Secretary Clinton, who has an unmatched record of fighting for women’s rights, children’s health and safety, and a more peaceful and politically stable world,” Latimer said. “Her voice gives even more momentum to our grassroots campaign, which keeps gaining strength because we stand strongly and honestly for our values and for our belief in delivering meaningful results for the communities we serve."

Bowman has not commented on Clinton's endorsement of his rival, but nets endorsements from  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and other progressive members of Congress.

Regardless of the outcome of the primary, Democrats are expected to keep the seat in the November general election.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.