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<\/a><\/p>\nDr. Adam Hamawy speaks during an AFP interview after meetings at the White House and on Capitol Hill, in Washington DC, June 14, 2024. (Drew Angerer \/ AFP via Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The political novice held a 12-point margin ahead of second-place candidate Brad Cohen with 86% of the vote in, even as he faced questions over his past ties to Omar Abdel-Rahman, the \u201cBlind Sheikh\u201d convicted on terrorism charges in 1995. Hamawy\u2019s camp had called the questions \u201cgross and bigoted\u201d and said the attacks against him were \u201cgetting more desperate than ever.\u201d<\/p>\n
At a time when Israel is becoming increasingly unpopular among Democratic voters, Hamawy\u2019s victory makes him the latest in a string of vocally pro-Palestinian progressives to win Democratic elections in blue districts in this year\u2019s midterms, following fellow New Jersey candidate Analilia Mejia and Chris Rabb in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Democratic establishment just got a wake-up call!\u201d wrote PAL PAC, a pro-Palestinian group that had endorsed Hamawy, on X. \u201cThis victory proves what we have known all along: Standing firmly and unapologetically for Palestinian freedom is a WINNING platform.\u201d<\/p>\n
Hamawy, who is credited with having saved Sen. Tammy Duckworth\u2019s life during the Iraq War, was also boosted by $2 million in spending by American Priorities, a super PAC that aims to counterweight the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC by installing pro-Palestinian progressives in Congress. He was endorsed by a slew of left-wing politicians and campaigned alongside the streamer Hasan Piker, who\u2019s been accused of antisemitic rhetoric. He is set to succeed Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is retiring at the end of her term.<\/p>\n
As an opponent of Israel\u2019s Iron Dome missile defense system and a supporter of a complete arms embargo and the right of return for Palestinian refugees, Hamawy will become one of Congress\u2019 sharpest Israel critics if he wins November\u2019s general election, which he is expected to do in the deep-blue district.<\/p>\n
Hamawy said that he finds antisemitism \u201cabhorrent\u201d and that he is \u201cdeeply worried about its continued rise\u201d in a statement to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency last week.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a Muslim, I understand what it feels like to face bigotry, to feel unsafe in your community and to have your loyalty to this country questioned,\u201d Hamawy said. \u201cIn this country, we have seen recent attacks at both synagogues and mosques. I see our safety as intertwined.\u201d<\/p>\n
Asked about Jewish constituents who disagree with his stance on Israel, Hamawy told JTA, \u201cI hope we can still connect on shared values and goals, including peace, justice, safety and dignity.\u201d He added that his door \u201cwill always be open.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ken Martin, chair of the Democratic National Committee, did not mention Hamawy\u2019s pro-Palestinian advocacy in a statement congratulating him on his win.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a veteran, combat surgeon, and small business owner, Adam Hamawy has continually served his community and our country. He is a proven fighter for working families,\u201d Martin said. \u201cWe look forward to welcoming him to Congress, where he will continue the fight to lower costs, expand access to healthcare, and make life more affordable for New Jersey families.\u201d<\/p>\n