AIPAC PAC Funds George Latimer’s Campaign Against Jamaal Bowman
After successfully recruiting Westchester County Executive George Latimer to challenge Rep. Jamaal Bowman, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s (AIPAC) PAC is now providing financial support to Latimer’s campaign. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission, AIPAC has contributed over $600,000 to Latimer’s campaign, accounting for 42 percent of his total $1.4 million in contributions thus far.
AIPAC’s significant spending in Bowman’s district is part of its broader strategy to spend at least $100 million to remove progressive Democrats in the House, particularly those known as the Squad. The Squad members, including Bowman, have been vocal critics of Israel’s human rights abuses against Palestinians and U.S. military funding for the ongoing assault on Gaza.
Latimer’s campaign has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding AIPAC’s funding. However, Bill Neidhardt, an adviser to Bowman’s campaign, expressed concern about Latimer’s ties to Republican megadonors who have supported former President Donald Trump. Neidhardt emphasized the direct connection between Latimer and the upper echelons of the Republican party.
Latimer’s challenge against Bowman has garnered support from Republicans, including a fundraiser hosted by a donor who has supported Republicans, including Trump. AIPAC officially endorsed Latimer’s campaign shortly after. In December, it was reported that an AIPAC donor encouraged Jewish Republicans to switch parties in order to vote in the primary and oust Bowman.
AIPAC has played a significant role in campaign finance in recent years since it began directly contributing to federal candidates. In addition to its PAC, the organization launched a super PAC called United Democracy Project, which spent millions against progressive candidates in 2022. During that election season, AIPAC faced criticism for attacking Democrats while endorsing over 100 Republicans who voted to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.
In this election cycle, AIPAC has intensified its attacks on Squad members who criticize Israel and supported a congressional ceasefire resolution in Gaza. Alongside Bowman, AIPAC has attempted to recruit challengers to unseat Reps. Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib, and Summer Lee.
AIPAC began urging Latimer to challenge Bowman after he and other progressive members boycotted a congressional address by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Previously, Bowman had been endorsed by J Street, a liberal alternative to AIPAC. However, J Street withdrew its endorsement of Bowman, citing his rhetoric on Gaza as crossing a line.
Aside from AIPAC, Latimer’s major donors include venture capitalists, private equity partners, attorneys, and consultants. Notable contributors include political strategist Bradley Tusk, oil trader Shai Barnea, and Michael Benn, a partner at the corporate law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz.
In conclusion, AIPAC’s PAC is the largest donor to George Latimer’s campaign against Jamaal Bowman. The organization’s financial support is part of its broader efforts to remove progressive Democrats from the House. Latimer’s campaign has attracted Republican support and endorsements, raising concerns about his ties to the Republican party.
