GGeorge Latimer, a pro-Israel centrist, defeated U.S. Rep. Jamaal Bowman of New York on Tuesday in a Democratic primary that highlighted the party’s deep divisions over the war in Gaza.
With victory, Latimer almost certainly ousted one of the most liberal voices in Congress and one of its most outspoken critics of Israel. Bowman accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians died in military attacks.
Latimer is a former state legislator who has served as Westchester County Executive since 2018.
Bowman was seeking a third term, representing a district in the northern suburbs of New York City. His defeat is a blow to the progressive wing of the party and a potential warning for candidates trying to shape their messages around the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Latimer will be the prohibitive favorite to win in the general election. The district, which includes parts of Westchester and a small chunk of the Bronx, is a Democratic stronghold.
Receive alerts on the biggest breaking news here.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story