NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Congressman Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) delivers a speech at the National Action Network (NAN) three-day annual national convention on April 07, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
June 03, 2024 Story by: Editor
WASHINGTON — An African American advocacy group is set to spend $500,000 to challenge the re-election bid of Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., as reported by POLITICO.
The National Black Empowerment Fund, dedicated to advancing “common-sense” policies for Black communities and holding elected officials accountable, is gearing up for a grassroots campaign aimed at defeating the congressman in New York’s June 25 primary election.
“We’re striving to empower the voices of Black voters who prioritize safe communities, decent jobs, lowering living costs, school choice for their children, healthcare, and achieving better life outcomes,” said Darius Jones, the organization’s founder, in an interview with the outlet.
“It’s going to take responsible leadership that’s keenly focused on those priorities as opposed to far-flung ideologies and agendas,” he added.
Rep. Bowman, a member of the progressive “Squad,” has faced criticism for his stance on significant issues in the lead-up to the presidential election. He has been vocal in his criticism of Israel’s actions in its conflict with Hamas militants.
His opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, has expressed support for Israel and has reportedly received backing from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), according to POLITICO. AIPAC spent nearly $2 million on ads opposing Rep. Bowman, according to The Intercept.
The congressman argued that the organization was targeting him because they didn’t want any criticism of Israel.
“They don’t want Israel to be held accountable. They don’t want anyone to mention Palestine or speak of Palestinian rights and lives,” Rep. Bowman told MSNBC. “We fight for the lives of all people – Israeli and Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, and Muslim. That’s what we do.”
Rep. Bowman also accused AIPAC of attempting to influence elections, citing its support for former Rep. Eliot Engel, whom he defeated in 2021.
“They’re literally coming into Black and Brown communities, Black and Brown districts, trying to buy races from the people who live there. It’s not gonna work,” Rep. Bowman stated. “They don’t know the Bronx. They don’t know Mount Vernon. They don’t know Yonkers, New Rochelle, Port Chester, White Plains, Greenburgh, the river towns. They don’t know these areas.” Source: CBS Austin
