(NEW YORK, NY – 06/26/24) – CAIR Action, an American Muslim 501(c)(4) political organization, expresses deep concern over the precedent set yesterday in New York Congressional District 16. AIPAC, MAGA Republican donors, and special interest groups flooded the NY-16 House seat race with over $20 million to unseat Congressman Jamaal Bowman, with tacit approval from the Democratic establishment.
Jamaal Bowman secured 42% of the vote in the district versus Latimer who took 58% of the district. Bowman ran a robust campaign, emphasizing his significant accomplishments and the hundreds of millions of dollars he secured for NY-16 during his time in Congress. He earned extensive grassroots support from his diverse, multi-faith, and multi-ethnic coalition of volunteers who dedicated countless hours to his campaign. He stood on the right side of history, speaking up for the people of Gaza, and as a result, became a target of AIPAC and other groups.
CAIR Action Executive Director Basim Elkarra stated:
“Today, a dangerous precedent has been set for American elections. MAGA Republican donors and hawkish foreign interest groups have bought an electoral seat in the 16th Congressional District of New York. AIPAC and its allies are interfering in elections to prevent a ceasefire in Gaza. Anyone with a large enough pocketbook or a big enough portfolio will see that congressional seats are for sale.
The more than $20 million from dark money groups fueled lies, smears, and racist Islamophobic dog whistles that were used by the Latimer campaign and SuperPACs to win this election. This unprecedented influx of dark money is a blatant attack on the principles of democracy. It represents a concerted effort to drown out the voices of those who stand against systemic injustice and advocate for peace, equity, and human rights.
It is deeply troubling that racist MAGA Republicans, known for their divisive and xenophobic rhetoric, played such an outsized role in this campaign. Their involvement underscores a deliberate effort to undermine leaders who challenge their agenda and advocate for an inclusive, equitable society and a foreign policy that values human rights. Congressman Bowman’s loss is not just a setback for his constituents but a blow to the broader movement for social justice and human rights, as evidenced by the numerous MAGA Republican lawmakers and pundits celebrating Latimer’s victory.
Special interest groups like AIPAC seek to propagate a culture of fear among lawmakers, making it clear that any deviation of support from a foreign policy that upholds Israeli occupation, human rights violations, and genocide will be punished. We stand unequivocally in solidarity with Congressman Bowman and the growing number of elected officials who refuse to give in to this fear and remain steadfast in their commitment to justice, peace, and equity. CAIR Action remains committed to advocating for policies that uphold the rights and dignity of all communities and to challenging the forces of hate and oppression in our society.”
CAIR Action’s mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, develop emerging leaders, and advocate for policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities and allies, ensuring they are the margin of victory at the local, state, and national levels.
CONTACT:
CAIR Action New York, [email protected]; Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]
