Princeton: Adam Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and retired US Army combat doctor, has emerged victorious in the Democratic primary for New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, positioning him as a frontrunner for the November elections. Born in Egypt and raised in the United States, the 56-year-old Hamawy is set to succeed Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman, who is stepping down after a decade-long tenure in Congress. His win in the Democratic-dominated district places him ahead of his Republican opponent, Gregg Mele, in the upcoming general election.
According to Anadolu Agency, Hamawy's political journey is marked by his unique background and experiences. As a veteran of the Iraq War and a surgeon who participated in numerous humanitarian missions in conflict zones, Hamawy's campaign was significantly shaped by his time in Gaza. In 2024, he traveled to southern Gaza on a medical mission, where he witnessed the aftermath of what he described as Israel's genocidal campaign. His exposure to the devastation there prompted him to enter the political arena.
Hamawy's experiences in Gaza were transformative. He recounted the overwhelming number of traumatic amputations and civilian casualties he encountered, which were unlike any he had seen in his two decades of medical and humanitarian work. His attempts to bring attention to the situation and America's involvement were met with frustration, as he felt ignored by political leaders in Washington.
Building his campaign on progressive ideals, Hamawy championed causes such as universal Medicare, ending US military aid to Israel, cancelling medical and student loan debt, and abolishing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He emphasized the need to redirect American resources to domestic issues rather than military spending abroad.
His campaign garnered endorsements from prominent figures like Senator Bernie Sanders and Senator Tammy Duckworth. Despite being a newcomer to the political scene, Hamawy's message of justice and reform resonated with voters, highlighting the potential for grassroots movements to challenge established political norms.
Hamawy's victory speech in Princeton underscored his commitment to fighting for justice without seeking permission, asserting that his campaign's success demonstrated the power of grassroots efforts against political establishments.