John, we’re still reflecting on Tuesday’s deeply disappointing loss in New York’s 16th congressional district.

It’s clear as day that Jamaal was targeted by AIPAC for his pro-peace, pro-ceasefire stance. Jezebel’s Kylie Cheung correctly concluded:

“A warmongering foreign lobbyist group effectively bought Bowman’s seat, all because he called for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticized the atrocities perpetrated by Israel with our tax dollars.”

And Branko Marcetic of Jacobin pointed out:

“Bowman’s loss will soon be used — in fact, already is and was before the polls even closed — by AIPAC and other pro-war forces to scare less courageous candidates and members of Congress into line.”

But the truth is, while AIPAC takes its victory lap, its power is weakening. This lobby group had to spend more in a primary race than it ever had before — and more than has ever been spent on any single U.S. House race — in order to win.

Even though AIPAC and other anti-Palestinian interests are trying to frame Jamaal’s loss as a referendum on the pro-ceasefire movement, the reality is that AIPAC barely mentioned Israel in their ads, because they know the majority of voters support a ceasefire in Gaza and conditions on Israeli military aid.

So it’s okay to feel sad, but we all need to draw inspiration from Jamaal's unwavering commitment to justice both here and abroad. This setback should not deter us from continuing our fight. We should feel empowered that, despite the millions of dollars poured into this race, people still showed up in amazing ways.

We witnessed incredible determination and mobilization from our Arab and Muslim communities, the pro-Palestinian community, Black and Brown voters, and everyday people who fought to make their communities better. So for everyone who showed up for Jamaal by making contributions, phone banking, knocking doors, and getting out the vote for our progressive champion: your voices and efforts matter, in this and every election. This setback highlights our power, and it is not the time to stop. We must continue our fight and ensure we re-elect our next Squad member, Cori Bush. The stakes couldn't be higher.

AIPAC and their right-wing donors think they can buy another race against a pro-ceasefire incumbent in August: Rep. Cori Bush in Missouri’s 1st district. They’ve already dumped $2 million into her opponent’s campaign, and we know that’s just the beginning. But we won’t allow them to win.

It’s up to us to come together as a progressive, grassroots movement and stop them. Will you help us do it by pitching in $5 today?

Contribute $5

Cori and the rest of our progressive Squad are standing with us, the people, on the right side of history for justice and humanity. Now, for the future of our Democratic Party, our country, and our world, we need to stand with them.

In solidarity,

Justice Democrats