Adam Hamawy Wins NJ 12th District Democratic Primary

Adam Hamawy, a former U.S. Army combat surgeon, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District on Tuesday, positioning him to succeed retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman. Hamawy, an Iraq War veteran and outspoken critic of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, led a crowded field of Democratic candidates in the solidly blue district and is heavily favored to win the general election in November.

His victory was bolstered by support from progressive figures including Senator Bernie Sanders and several members of the congressional "Squad," as well as significant financial backing from the pro-Palestinian super PAC American Priorities. Hamawy’s campaign emphasized his progressive policy platform, which includes support for Medicare for All, abolishing ICE, and ending military aid to Israel.

The primary win followed scrutiny of Hamawy’s past associations, particularly his connection to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the Egyptian cleric known as the "Blind Sheikh" who was convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. In 1995, Hamawy testified as a defense witness in Abdel-Rahman’s trial. According to trial transcripts, his...