Top Democrat suffers stunning defeat
WASHINGTON: Joseph Crowley, a top Democratic member of the US House of Representatives and a long time champion of ties with India, suffered a stunning defeat in the New York primary elections on Tuesday.
The number four leader in the House Democratic caucus, Crowley was widely expected to replace minority leader Nancy Pelosi if and when she stepped down. He lost to political new- comer Alexandria Ocasio-cortez, who was an organiser for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign. She accused Crowley for being part of a political party machine which had lost touch with constituents.
Crowley, who represented a congressional district in New York city for 10 consecutive terms, was once co-chair of the House India caucus, which is US congress’s largest country-specific caucus. He was a frequent and enthusiastic presence at India events on Capitol Hill and India caucus co-chair, had helped organise the first congressional Diwali celebration in 2013.
In other primaries across the country, Republicans backed by Donald Trump won big — the president has been increasing his hold on the party, with his endorsement making a big difference. Winners included South Carolina governor Henry Mcmaster, who succeeded Nikki Haley when she was named the US ambassador the UN, and Mitt Romney, who won his primary to represent the state of Utah.