The army doctor who came back from Gaza and is leading a New Jersey congressional race Adam Hamawy, an army trauma surgeon, is running for Congress in New Jersey’s 12th district, drawing inspiration from his experiences in Gaza and viewing the crisis there as a US-funded genocide. Despite being a political newcomer, he has become the frontrunner, securing endorsements from prominent progressive figures. His campaign advocates for policies like Medicare for All, the abolition of ICE, and sanctions on Israel, directly linking his medical and humanitarian experiences to his political platform.

• Adam Hamawy, an army trauma surgeon, is leading the race for New Jersey’s 12th congressional district.
• Hamawy’s decision to run was influenced by his experiences during a medical mission in Gaza in 2024, which he described as a US-funded genocide.
• He has gained significant support and endorsements from progressive politicians like Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, and Tammy Duckworth.
• Hamawy advocates for universal healthcare (Medicare for All), the abolition of ICE, and an arms embargo on Israel.
• His campaign has raised over $1 million, largely from small donors, and received a significant Super Pac pledge.
• Hamawy’s background includes military service in Iraq and medical missions during the Bosnian War.
• He is potentially on track to become New Jersey’s first Muslim lawmaker in Congress.
• Past criticisms of Hamawy include his testimony in the trial of Omar Abdel-Rahman in 1995 and volunteering with a charity later linked to al-Qaida, which he has dismissed as smears.
• Voter concerns in the district range from crime and taxes to foreign policy and the ongoing situation in Gaza.