Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) is fighting for political survival in the ugliest Democratic primary of the cycle as his political future — and the party’s progressive power — hang in the balance.

The race for New York’s 16th Congressional District has pitted Bowman, a progressive, against centrist George Latimer, who has the backing of high-profile figures like Hillary Clinton, in an explosive and expensive fight that has put competing special interests, outside spending and personal attacks front and center.

Polls suggest Bowman, a member of the so-called Squad, is in serious danger of losing after his criticism of Israel sparked an all-in effort to remove him from Congress. Some are warning that this could be the end for the outspoken progressive lawmaker’s run in the House.

“He’s super vulnerable,” said a Democratic campaign strategist working to reelect Bowman. “He’s not necessarily the most liked internally.”

“Folks think that he’s not going to win,” the strategist added grimly.

The Tuesday primary has emerged as one of 2024’s biggest litmus tests on the topic of Israel. Unlike other contests that have tested the strength of leftist insurgencies against the establishment, the race for the Westchester-Bronx district is not being fought over nuances in support for President Biden or economic issues like health care and education reform.

Instead, it’s centered around the conflict in the Middle East after Hamas launched a terrorist attack in Israel on Oct. 7, killing thousands of Israeli civilians and sparking a response that has led to tens of thousands of reported Palestinian deaths. The conflict has deepened a long-running split in the Democratic Party, where staunchly pro-Israel Democrats find themselves at odds with those on the left who are incensed at the mounting number of humanitarian deaths in the Gaza strip.

“It’s definitely become a big dividing line,” said Sam Drzymala, founder of Progressive Victory, a network of online content creators that’s hosting a rally for Bowman this weekend.

“Israel-Palestine has driven a lot of interest and energy and the long-term implications of the race are far larger than just one issue,” Drzymala added.

Bowman’s primary is emerging as the latest flashpoint in the intraparty debate.

While........

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