Democratic Candidate Adam Hamawy Leads in New Jersey’s 12th District Amid Scrutiny

Adam Hamawy, a doctor and Army veteran, is gaining attention in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District race. He leads internal polls and prediction markets despite facing scrutiny over past associations.

Current Polls and Predictions

The race to succeed retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman is competitive among Democrats. Recent internal polls show Hamawy leading. A Workbench Strategy poll from May 5-7 shows Hamawy with 19% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Sue Altman follows with 12%, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen at 11%, and State Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson at 10%. This poll has a margin of error of ±4.89 percentage points. An earlier poll had Hamawy at 5%.

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket favor Hamawy, with chances of winning at 86% and 85% respectively. Sue Altman is next at 7%, with Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Cohen following. Princeton professor Sam Wang has a 9% chance according to Kalshi.

Hamawy has the backing of the Progressive Caucus, noted for his service as a 9/11 first responder and his voluntary work in Gaza.

Controversial Associations

Opponents raise concerns about Hamawy’s past connections. Cohen mentioned Hamawy’s trip to Bosnia with Benevolence International Foundation, linked to Al-Qaeda, and an association with Omar Abdel-Rahman, involved in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Shanel Robinson, another candidate, highlighted the need for Hamawy to address these associations. She acknowledges his service but emphasizes voters’ right to know about past affiliations.

Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the ‘Blind Sheikh’, was convicted of terrorism-related charges in 1995. Hamawy testified as a defense witness during the trial but faced no charges.

Hamawy acknowledged hearing Abdel-Rahman’s comments about ‘conquering the land of the infidels’. He stated these were taken out of context. A spokesperson clarified Hamawy’s military commitments then and after the trial, underscoring his dedication to the country.

Benevolence International Foundation Connection

In a 1996 interview, Hamawy described his humanitarian work in Bosnia in 1994, where he assisted hospitals. His association with the now-disbanded Benevolence International Foundation, tied to Al-Qaeda, has been scrutinized. The organization’s links to Osama bin Laden were revealed after a police raid.

Hamawy’s campaign defends his actions as part of a UN-approved humanitarian mission. They label criticisms as baseless and highlight his military accolades, including the Global War on Terrorism medal. Opposing voices, like Sam Wang, recognize his humanitarian intent during the Bosnian War.

The 1992-95 Bosnian War involved territorial clashes among ethnic groups. The International Court of Justice declared the 1995 Srebrenica massacre as genocide. During this period, tens of thousands were affected, with significant loss of life.