N.J. Dem nominee Rebecca Bennett distances herself from Adam Hamawy

Rebecca Bennett, the Democratic nominee for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, stated she will not campaign with or endorse fellow Democratic nominee Adam Hamawy, who is running in a neighboring district.

Hamawy has faced scrutiny over his past association with Omar Abdel-Rahman, known as the Blind Sheikh, and his work for a charity in Bosnia that was later shuttered as an al-Qaida front group. Republicans have attempted to connect Bennett, a military veteran running on a moderate platform, to Hamawy, who is also a veteran.

"Rebecca Bennett is not going to campaign with or endorse Adam Hamawy this fall, as she is laser focused on flipping New Jersey's seventh district, lowering costs, and getting corruption out of Washington," A Bennett campaign spokesperson said.

Bennett has adopted a moderate pro-Israel stance and won the Democratic primary earlier this summer. She faces Rep. Tom Kean Jr. In the November midterm election.

Hamawy's campaign has responded to the criticism, stating his "entire career and life have been defined by his patriotism and deep love of this country." The campaign characterized his testimony regarding the Blind Sheikh as his "civic and legal duty" While serving in the Army. It also dismissed criticisms of his charity involvement as "desperate," "absurd" And "gross and bigoted."