The Jewish Democratic Council of America is throwing its support behind two Democratic candidates challenging members of the so-called “Squad” who have expressed anti-Israel views, the first time the group has opposed sitting Democratic incumbents.
The organization endorsed George Latimer, the Westchester county executive who is challenging Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), and St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, running against incumbent Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO), on Thursday. Both Bowman and Bush have been critical of Israeli military action in Gaza and have accused the country of “genocide.”
Bowman’s New York district, which includes southern Westchester County and a small part of the northern Bronx, has a large Jewish population, leading the Israel-Hamas war to become a central campaign issue.
The council’s chair-elect, Susie Stern, called Latimer an ally to Jewish members of the district. Latimer has also received an endorsement from the pro-Israel lobby AIPAC.
“George Latimer, a longtime progressive leader in Westchester County and a partner to Jewish New Yorkers, resolutely stands behind our community when challenging moments arise, including the current one,” Stern said.
The endorsements come after a video resurfaced showing Bowman calling the rapes and murders of Israeli women and children a “lie” at a November rally. In a recent statement to Politico, Bowman attempted to clean up those comments.
“The UN confirmed that Hamas committed rape and sexual violence, a reprehensible fact that I condemn entirely,” the statement said. “So let me be clear, and ensure my words are not twisted: I always stand against sexual violence in all forms and stand for peace for all.”
The group is also going after Bush, who has condemned Israel for its response and, in January, opposed a resolution in the House to bar Hamas members and those who participated in the attacks against Israel on Oct. 7 from the United States.
“At an unprecedented moment for Jewish Americans, we are responding with action at the ballot box,” said Sam Crystal, communications director for the group. “This cycle, JDCA will continue to expand our size and impact to advance our mission to mobilize Jewish voters to elect Democrats who share our values.”
“From now until November, JDCA is laser-focused on reelecting President Biden, flipping the House, and holding the Senate. Everything we stand for as Jewish Americans depends on it,” the spokesman added.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Bowman’s primary against Latimer will take place in late June, while Bush will square off against Bell in early August. Since both districts are blue, the winners of the primary are expected to win their general elections in November.
Pro-Israel groups and donors, including the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and DMFI, contributed about $43 million to U.S. campaigns during the last cycle, according to OpenSecrets.