Adam Hamawy, an army trauma surgeon and political newcomer, has become the frontrunner in New Jersey's 12th congressional district Democratic primary after a six-month campaign. Endorsed by prominent progressives like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Ilhan Omar, Hamawy's platform is shaped by his medical missions, including a 2024 volunteer stint in Gaza.
From Gaza to Capitol Hill
Hamawy, who spent nearly three weeks trapped in Gaza during an Israeli offensive, described the crisis as a "US-funded genocide" after witnessing the aftermath firsthand. He testified to lawmakers in Washington but found many doors closed. His experience drove him to call for Medicare for All, sanctions on Israel, and the abolition of ICE.
The Race and the District
The 12th district, safely Democratic, is open after Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman's retirement. The primary features 12 candidates, but Hamawy leads in fundraising with over $1 million raised, largely from small donors in Muslim and Arab American communities. A Super PAC has pledged $2 million in TV ads.
Military and Medical Background
Hamawy served as a combat surgeon in Iraq, where he helped save Sen. Tammy Duckworth's life. He also volunteered in Bosnia during the 1990s and covered medical missions there. His campaign emphasizes universal healthcare, debt cancellation, and dismantling the Department of Homeland Security.
Controversies and Criticisms
Conservative outlets have highlighted Hamawy's 1995 testimony as a defense witness for the "blind sheikh" Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing plot, and his volunteer work with a charity later linked to al-Qaida. Hamawy dismisses these as smears, noting his actions were legal at the time.
Voter Concerns and Support
Voters in the district cite domestic issues like crime, taxes, and affordability, but Gaza is a frequent topic. Hamawy's antiwar stance resonates with young progressives. A local organizer noted, "You can't go to a town hall without someone mentioning Gaza."
Hamawy's Vision
Hamawy defines his politics by his work, stating, "Human rights is my red line." He aims to break barriers as New Jersey's first Muslim member of Congress, advocating for policies that address both foreign and domestic injustices.
