Progressive organizations have expressed disappointment and frustration over the primary loss of Jamaal Bowman, a progressive candidate, to a moderate Democrat in New York's 16th district. These groups are now calling for the Democratic Party to sever ties with pro-Israel lobbying groups, specifically the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (Aipac), which they blame for Bowman's defeat.

In a letter addressed to House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, more than a dozen progressive organizations outlined their "dire concerns" regarding the party's continued association with Aipac. They stressed that this association jeopardizes the future of the Democratic Party, multi-racial democracy, and the planet. The signatories included prominent groups such as the Center for Popular Democracy Action, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, New York Communities for Change, and New York City Democratic Socialists of America.

These organizations accused an Aipac-affiliated political fund, United Democracy Project, of heavily funding their opponent, George Latimer, flooding the district with approximately $20 million worth of mailers and advertisements. They claimed that this financial influx, largely from Republican billionaires, aimed to suppress Bowman's message of humanity, dignity, and a prosperous future for all.

The result of this well-funded campaign, according to the progressive groups, was the defeat of a candidate personally endorsed by Jeffries, who had significant support among Black and brown communities in the district. They believe that Latimer, the conservative politician who emerged victorious with 58% of the vote compared to Bowman's 42%, has a history of racist remarks and governance.

Bowman, a former middle school principal and vocal critic of Israel's conduct in Gaza, received support on the campaign trail from heavyweight progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders. Sanders described the race as one of the most important in recent American history. After Bowman's loss, Sanders expressed outrage, highlighting the corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaire-funded Super PACs to sway election outcomes. He noted that Aipac and other Super PACs spent over $23 million against Bowman, while his own campaign spent only $3 million, emphasizing the need to address the influence of big money in politics.

Furthermore, the progressive groups sought to depict the race as an example of the influence of big-money and pro-Israel groups, as wealthy residents and pro-Israel organizations from the suburban parts of the district contributed significantly. They condemned Aipac for transforming the NY-16 race into the most expensive Democratic primary in history, which they perceived as an assault on democracy.

The organizations demanded that Jeffries, who, like most of the House Democratic leadership, received Aipac's endorsement, reject the financial support from the pro-Israel lobby group in protest against Bowman's defeat. They argued that such action would protect future progressive candidates and urged Democrats to reject Aipac's influence.

Bob Herbst, a member of the progressive group Protect Our Power, referred to Aipac's multimillion-dollar spending in the district as a dangerous interference in democracy. The defeat of Bowman, seen as a test of Democratic party unity over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has raised concerns about the party's ability to maintain support among traditionally Democratic-voting Jewish Americans.

While Aipac spokesperson Marshall Wittmann claimed that Latimer's victory demonstrated the rejection of Bowman's stance on Israel, it is important to note that the Aipac campaign primarily focused on Bowman's overall weaknesses rather than solely his position on Israel. A UDP attack ad highlighted Bowman's votes against the bipartisan infrastructure bill and the debt ceiling agreement, accusing him of failing his constituents and having his own uncompromising agenda.

Bowman's opponent, Latimer, adopted a more measured approach during his campaign and emphasized unity in a district with a substantial number of Jewish voters. Following his win, Latimer called on supporters to avoid vilifying each other, reminding them that they are all Americans with a shared future.

Overall, progressive groups are pushing for a reassessment of the party's relationship with Aipac following Bowman's unexpected primary loss, citing concerns over the influence of big money and the need to defend Palestinian human rights.