Adam Hisham Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and former Army combat medic born in Egypt, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. Hamawy prevailed in a crowded 12-way race to succeed retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson-Coleman, D-N.J., in a district that has historically favored Democrats.
The victory came despite mounting scrutiny during the campaign over Hamawy's ties as a young adult to Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman, who was convicted of seditious conspiracy related to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing that killed six people and injured thousands. The sheikh, known as the "Blind Sheikh," was also an influential figure among al-Qaeda terrorists. Hamawy testified as a witness during Abdel Rahman's 1996 trial, though he has denied any wrongdoing and was never criminally charged in connection with terrorism.
What the Right Is Saying
Critics across the political spectrum raised concerns about Hamawy's past connections. Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, who also ran in the primary, called Hamawy a "radical extremist."
Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., told Jewish Insider he had "deep concerns" about Hamawy's "associations with terrorist organizations and leaders who have attacked America."
Andrew McCarthy, the chief prosecutor in Abdel Rahman's criminal trial, offered context on Hamawy's testimony in a statement to Fox News Digital. "As was uniformly the case with witnesses presented in the extensive defense case, his testimony, once cross-examination was over, did more to bolster the prosecution's proof of a jihadist terrorism conspiracy against the United States than to help the accused," McCarthy said.
Questions also emerged about Hamawy's brief volunteer work in 1994 with a now-shuttered al-Qaeda-linked front group in Eastern Europe, a connection first reported by Jewish Insider. The campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on that specific affiliation.
What the Left Is Saying
Progressive supporters of Hamawy's campaign defended his candidacy, emphasizing his background as a medical professional who has provided humanitarian aid. His campaign told Fox News Digital that criticism over past affiliations amounts to "guilt-by-association" shaming designed to undermine his electoral prospects.
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., both endorsed Hamawy, lending significant support from the party's left flank. Progressive commentator Hasan Piker also backed his campaign. American Priorities, a pro-Palestinian super PAC, invested resources in the race.
Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., offered a personal endorsement, crediting Hamawy with saving her life during an overseas military deployment to the Middle East in 2004. During the recent conflict in Gaza, Hamawy said he had "never witnessed the level of atrocities and targeting of my medical colleagues," in apparent reference to the Israeli government.
Sue Altman, who ran against Hamawy in the primary and received backing from party establishment figures including former Gov. Jon S. Corzine, ex-Sen. Robert Torricelli, and ex-Sen. Bill Bradley, represents an alternative within the Democratic fold. Her campaign centered on questions about Hamawy's associations with extremist elements.
What the Numbers Show
Hamawy won a crowded 12-candidate Democratic primary in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. The district spans liberal Mercer County through Somerville to Plainfields and is considered a safe Democratic seat.
The state has moved away from relatively close margins President Donald Trump received in his 2024 race, making the general election outcome highly predictable in this district. With no prominent Republican challenger announced as of publication, Hamawy enters the general election as the overwhelming favorite to represent the district in Congress.
The Bottom Line
Hamawy's primary victory sets up a likely transition from Watson-Coleman's seat to a political newcomer with an unusual background combining military service, medical practice, and humanitarian work. His associations with Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman and questions about his involvement with extremist-adjacent organizations are expected to remain points of contention as the general election approaches.
The race will test whether progressive endorsements from national figures like Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez can overcome lingering concerns from moderate Democrats and security-focused critics. The district's solidly blue nature means Hamawy faces little risk in November, but his time in Congress may be marked by continued scrutiny over his past associations.