Democratic candidate Adam Hamawy, a physician and Army veteran, is leading in several recent internal polls and prediction markets in the race for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. He faces heightened scrutiny over past associations with a convicted terrorist and an organization later tied to Al-Qaeda. Hamawy’s campaign emphasizes his patriotism and commitment to the country, stating, “It must be the final days of the election, because the attacks are getting more desperate than ever.”

What Polls Show in New Jersey District 12

Several Democrats are vying to replace the retiring Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman in New Jersey’s 12th District. Though few polls exist for the race, two internal polls sponsored by Hamawy show him leading.

A Workbench Strategy poll conducted 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%. This poll surveyed 400 likely Democratic primary voters and had a margin of error of ±4.89 percentage points.

An earlier poll from March 30-April 1, also by Workbench Strategy for Hamawy, showed him trailing with 5%, behind Reynolds-Jackson at 16%, Altman at 12%, and Cohen at 11%. The same sample size and margin of error applied.

Prediction markets such as Kalshi and Polymarket show Hamawy likely to win, with Kalshi indicating an 86% chance and Polymarket 85%. Notably, Polymarket shows Hamawy’s odds doubling in the past month. Altman has a 7% chance, Reynolds-Jackson 3.3%, and Cohen around 3%. Kalshi finds Princeton professor Sam Wang with a 9% chance.

The Progressive Caucus backs Hamawy, with support from Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC co-chairs Pramila Jayapal, Greg Casar, and Maxwell Frost. They describe him as an “American hero” committed to public service and enhancing opportunity for all Americans.

The district’s Democratic primary is on June 2.

Hamawy’s Association with ‘The Blind Sheikh’

Opponents have raised questions about Hamawy’s past associations. Brad Cohen stated, “Adam has never explained why he traveled to Bosnia with an Al-Qaeda-linked organization just a year after his mentor tried to bring down the World Trade Center,” referencing the Benevolence International Foundation and Omar Abdel-Rahman.

Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson acknowledged Hamawy’s service but sought clarification on his ties to Abdel-Rahman. She stated, “Voters deserve to hear directly from Adam about this.”

Abdel-Rahman, known as “the Blind Sheikh,” was convicted in 1995 for seditious conspiracy and other charges linked to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Hamawy testified as a defense witness but faced no charges. During the trial, Hamawy admitted to hearing Abel-Rahman talk about “conquering the land of the infidels” but noted the comments were taken out of context.

A spokesperson emphasized Hamawy’s military service during the events, asserting his character remained consistent throughout his Army career, where he deployed to Iraq to treat injured troops. They stated Hamawy condemned all acts of violence and severed any contact with Abdel-Rahman following his arrest.

Hamawy’s Association with Benevolence International Foundation

In 1996, Hamawy stated his work in Bosnia helped deliver medical supplies in 1994. Critics highlight the disbanded Benevolence International Foundation’s links to Al-Qaeda as political fodder.

Incorporated in Illinois in 1992, the organization initially provided humanitarian relief but was later linked to financial transactions aiding Al-Qaeda, according to the United Nations. Its leader, Enaam Arnaout, had confirmed ties to Osama bin Laden, with further evidence discovered in a police raid.

A spokesperson defended Hamawy’s reputation, highlighting his service in Iraq and participation in rescue efforts at Ground Zero. Opponent Sam Wang argued Hamawy was on a humanitarian mission, consistent with his character, during the Bosnian conflict that witnessed atrocities like the Srebrenica massacre approved as genocide by global entities.