Combat Surgeon Wins New Jersey Democratic Primary

Running under the banner of "healthcare, not bombs," Hamawy outperformed his closest rival by nearly 10,000 votes. The candidate, who previously served in Iraq and is credited with saving the life of US Senator Tammy Duckworth, has pledged to refuse contributions from corporate PACs and AIPAC. His campaign received a significant boost from progressive organizations like Justice Democrats and the IMEU Policy Project, which invested $200,000 in support of his bid to replace retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman.

Hamawy’s political profile was sharpened by his time at the European Hospital in southern Gaza, where he witnessed the impact of the ongoing conflict before being evacuated in May 2024. He has characterized his transition from medicine to politics as a shift toward systemic preventative care, arguing that the current legislative approach to both domestic and international crises is insufficient. Senator Bernie Sanders endorsed the surgeon, highlighting his focus on Medicare for All and his potential to serve as a distinct progressive voice in the House.