Adam Hamawy wins Democratic primary in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District

Physician and Army veteran defeats crowded field in race to succeed Bonnie Watson Coleman

Dr. Adam Hamawy won the Democratic primary Tuesday in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, defeating a crowded field of a dozen candidates seeking to succeed retiring U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman.

With about 85% of the vote counted as of 11 p.m., Hamawy led the field with 18,545 votes, or 27.8%. East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen was second with 10,579 votes, or 15.8%, and Princeton University neuroscientist Samuel Wang was third with 6,462 votes, or 9.7%.

The race drew national attention after Watson Coleman announced she would not seek reelection following more than a decade representing the district in Congress. The 12th District includes Princeton and parts of Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset, and Union counties.

Because the district has long favored Democrats, Tuesday’s winner enters the general election as the favorite to succeed Watson Coleman.

Hamawy, a physician, military veteran, 9/11 responder, and volunteer surgeon who has worked in war and disaster zones, including Gaza, emerged as the leading fundraiser in the race and built support among progressive voters.

According to OpenSecrets, Hamawy raised about $1 million for his campaign through mid-May, more than any other candidate in the field. OpenSecrets also reported that American Priorities, a newly formed pro-Palestine super PAC, spent more than $1.5 million on television and digital advertising supporting Hamawy and promoting his background as an Army combat surgeon.

Hamawy’s campaign highlighted endorsements from prominent progressive figures, including U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth.

In a statement released Tuesday night, Hamawy celebrated the victory as a grassroots campaign triumph.

“We were told that an outsider couldn’t win. That we couldn’t compete,” Hamawy said. “Together, we made it clear you never need to ask for permission to fight for justice.”

Cohen, who finished second, raised more than $700,000 during the campaign and entered the race with the backing of the Middlesex County Democratic organization, according to OpenSecrets.

Wang, a Princeton University professor of neuroscience, raised roughly $465,000, including more than $100,000 he loaned his own campaign, according to OpenSecrets.

The primary became one of New Jersey’s most competitive congressional contests this year, with candidates ranging from elected officials to political newcomers competing for an open seat in a reliably Democratic district.

Outside spending also played a role in the race. OpenSecrets reported that The Florence Avenue Initiative, a nonprofit organization that does not disclose its donors, spent more than $260,000 opposing candidate Sue Altman through advertising and mailers.

During his victory speech, Hamawy outlined a progressive agenda focused on health care, economic issues and immigration policy.

“I am going to Congress to fight for you — for healthcare, not bombs, to abolish ICE, and to unrig the economy once and for all,” Hamawy said.

Hamawy also addressed attacks on his candidacy during the closing weeks of the campaign.

“Let me be absolutely clear with you all and everyone watching today: there was once a time when this may have worked,” Hamawy said. “Where racist and anti-Muslim attacks could swing an election. That era of American politics is over.”

The winner of the Democratic primary will advance to the general election in November and face Republican Gregg Mele.