Adam Hamawy, a combat trauma surgeon and Army National Guard veteran, has won the Democratic primary in New Jersey's 12th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ. Hamawy captured 28.1 percent of the vote, defeating a crowded field that included East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen, who finished second with 14.9 percent.
The open seat, covering a swath of central New Jersey from Trenton to Plainfield, is being vacated by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, who has held the seat since 2015. Hamawy now heads into the general election as the heavy favorite in the reliably blue district.
Hamawy's military background has been a central pillar of his campaign. He served in the New Jersey Army National Guard and deployed to Iraq as a combat trauma surgeon. Among his former patients is Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a fellow veteran who publicly endorsed him. “Army Veteran. Former combat surgeon. The leader New Jersey deserves. Congratulations, @HamawyForNJ!” Duckworth wrote on social media Tuesday night.
Beyond Duckworth, Hamawy has drawn support from prominent progressive figures, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). He recently appeared on the show of left-wing streamer Hasan Piker, visiting the Delaney Hall immigration detention center in New Jersey—a move that underscores his alignment with the party's activist wing.
Hamawy's primary victory comes amid a broader primary season that has seen other notable races across the country. For instance, the Iowa Senate race shifted toward Republicans after a competitive primary, while in New Jersey itself, the 12th District contest was closely watched as a bellwether for progressive organizing.
With the nomination secured, Hamawy will face the Republican nominee in November. His campaign is expected to focus on healthcare access, veterans' issues, and economic fairness—themes that resonated with primary voters. The district's Democratic lean makes Hamawy the clear frontrunner to succeed Watson Coleman and bring a veteran's perspective to Congress.
