Democrat George Latimer achieved victory in the election for a U.S. House seat from New York on Tuesday. Latimer, who serves as the Westchester County executive, triumphed over Rep. Jamaal Bowman in a competitive primary earlier in June. This race underscored the existing divisions within the party regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bowman has been a vocal critic of Israel, prompting Latimer to enter the race following encouragement from Jewish community leaders.

Since taking office as county executive in 2018, Latimer has a background in the state Legislature, where he represented a suburban region situated north of New York City. The announcement of Latimer’s win was made by news outlets at 9:26 p.m. EST, marking a significant moment in both his political career and the dynamics of the Democratic Party in New York.

Latimer’s victory signifies a shift within the party, as many Democratic leaders grapple with differing perspectives on foreign policy, particularly concerning Israel and Palestine. This election season has illuminated these tensions, paving the way for further discussions on how the party will navigate such complex issues moving forward. As Latimer prepares to take his seat in the House, his past experience and leadership style will likely play a crucial role in representing his constituents amid the evolving political landscape.