Rep. Eliot Engel of New York Defeated in Primary; 4th House Incumbent to Lose this Year
June 24, 2020
Rep. Eliot Engel has lost his primary to progressive political newcomer Jamaal Bowman. As of about 1:30 PM Wednesday afternoon, Bowman held a 62% to 35% advantage over the 16-term incumbent.
Our election results partner, Decision Desk HQ, noted that Bowman took an unexpectedly large lead in the early and Election Day voting and is ahead in the portion of both counties (Bronx and Westchester) that make up the district. While absentee ballots remain to be counted, the margin Engel would need is such that the call for Bowman can be made.
This article from Forbes details some of the missteps Engel's campaign made along the way.
This is a deep blue district: Engel was unopposed in 2018 and no Republicans filed to run this year. While there may be one or more 3rd party nominees on the ballot, Bowman is all but certain to be the next member of Congress from the district.
Engel becomes the fourth member of the House to lose a primary this year. As Dave Wasserman notes, that is right around the average for recent cycles.
The norm in recent years has been for around four House members to lose renomination each cycle. So far, 2020's casualty list:#IL03 Dan Lipinski (D)#IA04 Steve King (R)#NY16 Eliot Engel (D)#VA05 Denver Riggleman (R)
— Dave Wasserman (@Redistrict) June 24, 2020
