Adam Hamawy Leads in New Jersey’s 12th District Amid Controversies

Democratic candidate Adam Hamawy, known for his work as a physician and Army veteran, is showing strong performance in recent polls and prediction markets for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. However, his past associations with a convicted terrorist and an organization linked to Al-Qaeda have drawn scrutiny.

Poll Findings in New Jersey District 12

A lively Democratic race is underway to replace the retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman in New Jersey’s 12th District. Hamawy’s campaign has sponsored two internal polls that place him at the forefront. The latest poll by Workbench Strategy, conducted from May 5-7, indicates Hamawy leading with 19% of the vote. Sue Altman follows him with 12%, Brad Cohen with 11%, and Verlina Reynolds-Jackson with 10%. This survey included 400 likely Democratic primary voters, with a margin of error of ±4.89 points.

An earlier poll by Workbench Strategy, from March 30-April 1, showed Hamawy trailing with 5%. Reynolds-Jackson led with 16%, followed by Altman with 12% and Cohen with 11%. The earlier poll had the same sample size and margin of error as the more recent one.

Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket project Hamawy as the likely winner, with probabilities of 86% and 85%, respectively. In these markets, Altman stands at 7%, Reynolds-Jackson at 3.3%, and Cohen around 3%. Kalshi also gives Princeton professor Sam Wang a 9% chance.

The Progressive Caucus backs Hamawy. Co-chairs from the Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC, including Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost, praised his service as a surgeon and volunteer in significant humanitarian efforts. They emphasized his commitment to creating a prosperous America.

Hamawy’s Connection with ‘The Blind Sheikh’

Some opponents question Hamawy’s past associations. Brad Cohen highlighted Hamawy’s travel to Bosnia with a group linked to Al-Qaeda, a year after his mentor’s involvement in a major terrorist incident. During the campaign, questions also arose regarding Hamawy’s association with Omar Abdel-Rahman, convicted for plotting the 1993 World Trade Center bombing.

Hamawy testified in Abdel-Rahman’s defense but faced no charges. According to court transcripts, Hamawy was part of a car journey with Abdel-Rahman, during which controversial statements were made. Hamawy stated that prosecutors misinterpreted these remarks.

A spokesperson clarified that Hamawy held a military role during these events and emphasized his ongoing dedication to national service, which included deployments to Iraq. The spokesperson noted Hamawy’s early interactions with Abdel-Rahman stemmed from the relatively small Muslim community in New Jersey at the time.

Involvement with Benevolence International Foundation

Another aspect of scrutiny involves Hamawy’s past work with Benevolence International Foundation (BIF), an organization later linked to Al-Qaeda by the United Nations. In a 1996 interview, Hamawy described volunteering in Bosnia in 1994, providing medical aid during the Bosnian war.

The U.N. linked BIF to acts related to Al-Qaeda, tracing its activities to financial transactions supporting terrorism. Hamawy’s campaign defends his involvement, citing a humanitarian mission approved by the United Nations to assist genocide victims in Bosnia.

Sam Wang defended Hamawy, stating that his mission was consistent with his character in a time when Bosnian Muslims faced severe conflict. The Holocaust Museum Houston highlighted the Srebrenica massacre, part of the Bosnian war’s brutal history.