Bowman apologizes for Oct. 7 remarks: ‘I voted to condemn the sexual violence’

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) apologized Wednesday for remarks he made downplaying sexual violence in the Israel-Hamas war, as he faces a primary challenge that has increasingly centered on the politics of the war.

Bowman said in November that reports of systematic sexual violence by Hamas against Israel were “propaganda” and “lies,” which he later walked back. He apologized Wednesday in response to a WNYC caller.

“Immediately when the U.N. provided additional evidence, I voted to condemn the sexual violence,” Bowman said. “I apologize for my comments, and now we’re continuing to do the work to fight sexual violence and domestic violence in all its forms.”

Bowman has been critical of the Biden administration’s response to the Israel-Hamas war and has backed efforts to urge a cease-fire in the war and pare back arms shipments to Israel. His primary opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer, has taken the opposite position.

Groups supporting Latimer have attacked Bowman for the view and have used his comments about Hamas’s sexual violence in advertisements and mailers to voters. 

The race has been defined by age, which younger voters sticking with the progressive Bowman while older voters have tended to back Latimer, according to polling. It has also divided Democrats, with Hillary Clinton among the leaders to endorse Latimer while progressives like Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) prop up Bowman.

Former Rep. Mondaire Jones (D-N.Y.) also endorsed Latimer in what was viewed as backstabbing a fellow progressive. Jones has long ties to Latimer and worked with him before running for Congress himself.

An Emerson College/The Hill poll last week found Latimer with a sizable 17-point lead over Bowman in the primary, 48 percent to 31 percent.

The poll found that 51 percent of respondents have a favorable view of Bowman, compared to 43 percent who have an unfavorable view of the House Democrat. In comparison, 65 percent said they have a favorable view of Latimer, while 23 percent had an unfavorable view of the county executive. 

The seat is reliably blue, meaning whoever wins the Democratic primary later this month is the heavy favorite to win in November.