Adam Hamawy’s Congressional Campaign in New Jersey’s 12th District

Democratic candidate Adam Hamawy, known for his medical career and military service, has emerged as a leading figure in internal polls and prediction markets in the contest for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. This comes amidst scrutiny over his past links to a convicted terrorist and an organization later associated with Al-Qaeda.

Election Poll Results

The competition is intense as multiple Democratic candidates vie to replace retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman in New Jersey’s 12th District. Though the race lacks extensive polling, two internal surveys conducted for Hamawy show him at the forefront.

A recent poll by Workbench Strategy, conducted May 5-7, indicates Hamawy leads with 19% of the vote. Sue Altman, former state director for Senator Andy Kim, follows with 12%. East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen and State Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson trail with 11% and 10% respectively. The poll surveyed 400 likely voters and reports a margin of error of ±4.89 percentage points.

An earlier poll, from March 30-April 1, also by Workbench Strategy, showed Hamawy at a distant 5%, behind Reynolds-Jackson’s 16%, Altman’s 12%, and Cohen’s 11%. It maintained similar sample and error margins.

Prediction markets attribute a high chance of victory to Hamawy, with Kalshi reflecting an 86% likelihood and Polymarket 85%. The odds for Hamawy have more than doubled recently. Altman sits at 7%, Reynolds-Jackson at 3.3%, and Cohen at around 3%. Kalshi also lists Princeton professor Sam Wang with a 9% chance.

Hamawy has Progressive Caucus endorsement, with Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC leaders praising his accomplishments as a surgeon and military veteran.

Concerns Over Past Associations

During the campaign, opponents have questioned Hamawy’s historical associations. Cohen expressed concerns over Hamawy’s trip to Bosnia with a group later linked to Al-Qaeda, while Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson highlighted the importance of candidates’ entire life choices, including relationships with controversial figures.

Hamawy’s past association with Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as “the Blind Sheikh,” convicted in 1995 for terrorism-related charges, has been scrutinized. Hamawy testified in his defense but faced no charges. During a 1991 road trip, Abdel-Rahman made contentious comments, which Hamawy clarified were taken out of context. A spokesperson noted Hamawy’s military service at the time, emphasizing his continued service and contributions.

Hamawy, credited with saving U.S. troops’ lives in Iraq and treating 9/11 victims, condemned Abdel-Rahman’s rhetoric and actions.

Benevolence International Foundation Ties

In 1994, Hamawy volunteered in Bosnia through the Benevolence International Foundation (BIF), later linked to Al-Qaeda. Despite this, his campaign stressed his humanitarian mission and military service record. Hamawy, during his time there, addressed healthcare needs in Sarajevo and Zenica. Despite the organization’s later allegations, Hamawy’s actions were backed by U.N. approval.

His opponents have leveraged this association against him. However, Wang defended Hamawy’s mission, aligning it with his character.

During the Bosnian War (1992-1995), ethnic violence ensued as the region fractured. The U.N. acknowledged significant atrocities against Bosnian Muslims, resulting in the categorization of events like the Srebrenica massacre as genocide. The Holocaust Museum Houston highlighted the devastating impact, where thousands were displaced or killed.