Full Breakdown
Adam Hamawy Wins Crowded Democratic Primary in New Jersey’s 12th District
6/3/2026, 6:36:55 AM
Primary Victory: Who, What, When, Where, How
On June 2, 2026, former U.S. Army combat surgeon Adam Hamawy secured the Democratic nomination for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, defeating a field of twelve other Democrats. The safely Democratic district will pit Hamawy against Republican Gregg Mele in the November general election.
Candidate Background & Campaign Dynamics
Born in Egypt and raised in Old Bridge and Plainfield, Hamawy earned a Rutgers undergraduate degree and a medical degree in Newark before serving eight years in the Army, including as a trauma surgeon in Iraq where he helped save Sen. Tammy Duckworth. He later volunteered in Gaza during the 2024 conflict, remaining after the Rafah crossing closed. Hamawy launched his congressional bid in January 2026 after Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman announced retirement. Endorsements came from Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, and numerous progressive groups. Funding included over $1 million raised by Hamawy, a $2 million pledge from the pro-Palestine super-PAC American Priorities, $200 000 from the Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project and Justice Democrats, and $400 000 of undisclosed Super-PAC support for an opponent.
Official Endorsements & Campaign Statements
The Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project and Justice Democrats issued a joint statement: “Voters were drawn to Dr. Hamawy’s candidacy because he knows firsthand the reality of Israel’s genocide in Gaza…” Justice Democrats’ executive director Alexandra Rojas said the victory “sends a clear message that New Jersey voters reject corporate and war-driven interests.” Hamawy’s campaign described recent attacks as “desperate, absurd and bigoted,” emphasizing his military service and medical experience as qualifications for Congress.
Opposition Critiques & Media Scrutiny
Right-leaning outlets highlighted Hamawy’s 1994 internship with the Benevolence International Foundation, which the 9/11 Commission described as a front for al-Qaeda financing. The New York Post also noted his 1995 testimony for Omar Abdel-Rahman, the “Blind Sheikh,” suggesting he “repeatedly lied under oath.” Steven Emerson of the Investigative Project on Terrorism argued voters “have a right to know why Dr. Hamawy felt so strongly in defending a violent jihadist leader.” These critiques framed his past as evidence of extremist sympathies.
Conflicting Accounts of Past Affiliations
The Intercept reports Hamawy testified as a defense witness in the 1995 trial, condemning extremism and describing Abdel-Rahman as a community leader, while noting he was never charged with wrongdoing. The New York Post cites the 9/11 Commission’s characterization of Benevolence International as a terrorist-funding front, yet also notes a 1990s U.S. envoy praised the organization’s humanitarian work. The two sources differ on the extent and nature of Hamawy’s involvement with the charity and the context of his courtroom testimony.
Implications for Progressive Politics and Representation
Hamawy’s win illustrates the rising impact of pro-Palestine donors and progressive super-PACs in Democratic primaries, challenging traditional AIPAC influence. If elected, he would become New Jersey’s first Muslim member of Congress and is expected to advance policies such as Medicare for All, ICE abolition, and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Voters were drawn to Dr. Hamawy’s candidacy because he knows firsthand the reality of Israel’s genocide in Gaza like few do — having worked to save the lives of Palestinian children under bombardment and unimaginable conditions,” — Institute for Middle East Understanding Policy Project & Justice Democrats.
- “Any Muslim is going to be called a terrorist at some point, and these tropes are outdated and worn.” — Adam Hamawy.
- “I think the voters of New Jersey have a right to know why Dr. Hamawy felt so strongly in defending a violent jihadist leader — the Blind Sheikh — that he repeatedly lied under oath in the 1995 terrorist trial,” — Steven Emerson.
- “But at the same time we just started another war. We have plenty of money for the bombs.” — Adam Hamawy.
- “As a Muslim, they’re always going to find something to attack,” — Adam Hamawy.
- “We are so proud to send New Jersey’s first Justice Democrat to Congress to fight for working families in Washington,” — Alexandra Rojas.
Upcoming General Election
Hamawy will appear on the November ballot against Republican Gregg Mele, where he is expected to campaign on universal health care, immigration reform, and a foreign-policy platform that includes ending U.S. aid to Israel.
