Adam Hamawy Leads Polls Amid Scrutiny in New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District Race

Democratic candidate Adam Hamawy, a physician and Army veteran, currently leads internal polls and prediction markets in the race for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. Despite this, he faces renewed scrutiny over past associations linked to a convicted terrorist and a later Al-Qaeda-associated organization. Hamawy’s campaign emphasizes his patriotism and commitment to the United States, stating that attacks on him are becoming increasingly desperate as the election approaches.

Polls in New Jersey District 12

The Democratic field is competitive as candidates vie to succeed retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman. Although few polls are available, two sponsored by Hamawy show him leading. A Workbench Strategy poll from May 5-7 shows Hamawy with 19% of the vote, followed by Sue Altman at 12%, East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen at 11%, and state assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson at 10%. The survey questioned 400 likely Democratic primary voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.89 percentage points.

An earlier poll conducted from March 30-April 1 painted a different picture, with Hamawy at 5% behind Reynolds-Jackson’s 16%, Altman’s 12%, and Cohen’s 11% under the same sample size and margin of error.

Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket show strong support for Hamawy, with Kalshi giving him an 86% chance of winning and Polymarket 85%. In these markets, Altman follows with about 7%, Reynolds-Jackson at 3.3%, and Cohen around 3%. Kalshi also shows Princeton professor Sam Wang with a 9% chance of securing the seat.

Hamawy is endorsed by the Progressive Caucus, with co-chairs Representatives Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost supporting him. They call Hamawy an American hero who has dedicated his life to serving others through roles such as a first responder on 9/11 and a combat trauma surgeon in Iraq.

Hamawy’s Association with ‘The Blind Sheikh’

Controversy arises from Hamawy’s past associations. Opponents like Cohen have questioned why Hamawy traveled to Bosnia with a group later linked to al-Qaeda. Department Store manager Shanel Robinson also called for explanations regarding Hamawy’s past connections to Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as ‘the Blind Sheikh,’ convicted of terrorism-related charges in 1995. Hamawy had once testified as a defense witness during Abdel-Rahman’s trial.

Despite acknowledging he heard Abdel-Rahman make questionable remarks, Hamawy argued prosecutors took them out of context. His campaign emphasized his consistent service in the military during and after the trial, adding that his sacrifices for freedom reflect his enduring values.

An incident from 1991 involved Hamawy accompanying Abdel-Rahman on a trip where controversial statements were made, which he acknowledged hearing. His spokesperson highlighted Hamawy’s military service and condemned any violence or extremist rhetoric.

Hamawy’s dedication to military service includes being deployed to crises like treating injured troops in Iraq. He also contributed significantly as a first responder during the 9/11 attacks. Omar Abdel-Rahman died in 2017 while serving a life sentence.

Hamawy’s Involvement with Benevolence International Foundation

In 1994, Hamawy volunteered in Bosnia, as recommended through a UN-approved route, providing medical aid to genocide victims through the Benevolence International Foundation (BIF). Although later linked to al-Qaeda, BIF initially operated as a nonprofit for humanitarian aid.

In 2002, the U.N. associated BIF with financial transactions in support of al-Qaeda, citing leadership ties to Osama bin Laden. Despite these discoveries, Hamawy’s spokesperson defended his intentions, asserting Hamawy’s contribution was strictly humanitarian and awarded the Global War on Terrorism medal for his service.

The Bosnian War, a backdrop to Hamawy’s involvement, saw violent attempts to create ethnically homogeneous regions. The 1995 Srebrenica massacre, labeled as genocide by the International Court of Justice, was a devastating event within this war, with the Holocaust Museum Houston describing the atrocities committed.