Hamawy wins open New Jersey House seat, succeeding Watson Coleman

Democrat Adam Hamawy is projected to win an open seat representing New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, according to Decision Desk HQ, keeping the safe blue seat in Democratic hands.

Hamawy, a surgeon and former Army physician, easily defeated Republican Gregg Mele, an attorney, to win the race to succeed retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.). This was expected as Watson Coleman, an influential progressive voice in the House, easily won her 2024 reelection bid by 25 points.

Hamawy prevailed in a crowded primary field for the Democratic nomination earlier this year. He had gained attention previously in 2024, as he was among a group of physicians trapped in Gaza when Israel closed the Rafah border crossing.

Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), who credits Hamawy with saving her life after her helicopter was shot down in Iraq in 2004, intervened to help him and others get out.

Hamawy will be New Jersey’s first Muslim congressman.