NEW YORK – When progressives watch results roll in in New York’s bruising 16th Congressional District Democratic primary Tuesday night, they will likely be thinking about one of two specific Saturdays last fall. Whichever one crosses their mind first determines what they think the progressive political movement should do next.
Incumbent Rep. Jamaal Bowman is expected to go down in a spectacular defeat to Westchester County Executive George Latimer. Latimer embodies the kind of establishment political power Bowman knocked off in 2020, when he became a hero of the left. It has been the most expensive primary anyone can remember, with Bowman outspent by millions of dollars, according to independent spending trackers.
What does this mean for the progressive movement, which has grown steadily in power since Sen. Bernie Sanders’ first presidential campaign began in 2015? Pick your Saturday. They’re seven days apart, both late last year. The week both defines Bowman’s political career and explains this moment in progressive politics, depending on your point of view.