Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Rep. Jamaal Bowman squared off in a debate on May 13 that was presented by News 12 Westchester and News 12 The Bronx. The debate took place in the auditorium at 360 Hamilton Ave. in White Plains during the afternoon and was recorded for playback on the cable TV channels that night. Latimer is trying to unseat Bowman, who is running for reelection to his 16th Congressional District seat representing most of Westchester and the Bronx.
The Democratic primary to select the person who will receive the party’s nomination to run for the seat is scheduled for June 25.
The debate became heated at times when one candidate made claims about the other and the accused candidate jumped in to respond. For example, Latimer accused Bowman of distorting his position on the Israel-Hamas conflict while Bowman accused Latimer of distorting his record in Congress.
Key topics covered during the debate included:
- The Israel-Hamas War;
- Affordable housing;
- Infrastructure;
- Immigration and asylum seekers;
- The overturning of Roe v. Wade and women’s reproductive rights.
Bowman said that communities in Westchester have been neglected and as a result don’t have economic development and access to the American dream. Latimer pointed out the economic growth under his administration including cutting county property taxes.
Bowman said he has visited the U.S. border with Mexico. He said that U.S. companies have destroyed ecosystems in foreign countries and that is why migrants are coming here. Latimer said that he has talked with immigrants who have come to Westchester and become familiar with their needs. He said a bipartisan effort is needed to overhaul the immigration system. Latimer said Bowman failed to support Latimer’s call for an immigration court to be established in Westchester to handle migrant cases, which Bowman denied.
Latimer said he has been a supporter of abortion rights throughout his career. Bowman said Latimer has accepted money from a group that supports Republicans who oppose abortion. Latimer said that doesn’t mean he’s going to change his position and that the same group has given money to Democrats in Congress including Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Latimer accused Bowman of voting with extremist right-wing Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene. Bowman accused Latimer of adopting the “southern strategy” in the North.
Moderator Tara Rosenblum of News 12 closed by crediting News 12, Optimum and The Business Council of Westchester with staging the event.
The entire debate can be viewed at the following internet address — https://longisland.news12.com/watch-rep-bowman-and-westchester-county-executive-latimer-debate-in-race-for-16th-congressional-district
