Can Summer Lee survive her primary after Israel criticism?
Campaign Report
Campaign Report
<!–
The Big Story
Can Summer Lee survive her primary after Israel criticism?
Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) is the first member of the “Squad” to face a Democratic challenger this cycle, and Tuesday’s primary comes as she’s been an outspoken proponent for a cease-fire in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
© Greg Nash/The Hill
Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) is facing the first big test for the ultra-progressive “Squad” this election cycle, with voters heading to the polls in the Democratic primary Tuesday.
Lee, one of the first lawmakers to call for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, faces a challenge from Bhavini Patel, a more moderate Democrat who has openly accused Lee of antisemitism, over her criticism of Israel amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Lee has denied accusations of antisemitism, and defended her criticism of the war in Gaza. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war since Oct. 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The election’s reach could extend beyond the Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, as rifts in the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas war and U.S. aid to Israel have become more apparent.
The election could signal how voters are feeling about the ongoing war and what it could mean for other progressive members who face moderate Democratic opponents in the coming primaries.
Fellow Democratic “Squad” members Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Cori Bush of Missouri and Jamaal Bowman of New York also face primary challenges this cycle.
Lee, 36, narrowly won her 2022 primary, fending off a more moderate Democratic candidate. Her Pittsburgh-centered district includes a large and tight-knit Jewish community.
Lee’s opponent Patel, 29, also says she’s a progressive, but she has blasted Lee’s criticism of Israel and sought to make it a campaign issue.
Meanwhile, Lee has the support of prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), an ardent supporter of Israel, also is backing Lee.
Essential Reads
Key election stories and other recent campaign coverage:
Voters in the Keystone State will be heading to the polls on Tuesday to cast their votes in several important primaries, including in the presidential race, the race for Sen. Bob Casey’s (D-Pa.) seat and several closely watched House races. Though President Biden and Donald Trump are not expected to face any major primary challengers, their respective primaries will be closely watched as both are likely to see protest votes. …
The man who led former President Obama’s 2012 reelection campaign said early polling of the 2024 race is a good sign for President Biden, with independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appearing to draw more support from former President Trump than Biden. Jim Messina said in an MSNBC “Morning Joe” interview Tuesday that despite neck and neck polls between Biden and Trump, trends are pointing in the right direction for the …
President Biden will deliver a speech on reproductive rights while campaigning in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday afternoon. It’s his first visit to Florida since its state Supreme Court cleared the way for a policy effectively banning most abortions beginning May 1. Biden’s reelection campaign has underscored his administration’s position that abortion rights should be restored nationally, and sought to remind voters of former President …
The Countdown
Upcoming news themes and events we’re watching:
117 days until the Democratic National Convention196 days until the 2024 general election
In Other News
Branch out with a different read from The Hill:
President Biden on Tuesday trolled former President Trump on the fourth anniversary of him suggesting Americans inject bleach during the COVID-19 pandemic. Biden shared a video, marking that four years ago Trump infamously said, “I see the disinfectant, which knocks it out in a minute … is there a way we can do something like that? By injection inside, almost a cleaning.” “Don’t inject bleach. And don’t vote for the guy who …
Republican Voters Against Trump, a political group seeking to block former President Trump from taking back the White House, released an ad Tuesday suggesting that with his four criminal indictments, Trump could not even get a job at a local shopping mall. The six-figure ad campaign used hidden-camera footage of a man going to several stores saying he was looking to apply for a job. The catch? He said he is facing 88 felonies. …
Around the Nation
Local and state headlines regarding campaigns and elections:
Senators show confidence in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s O’Hare rebuild plan (Chicago Tribune)
How an expensive bet by Emily’s List in an Orange County congressional race went awry (Los Angeles Times)
What We’re Reading
Election news we’ve flagged from other outlets:
It’s not that Trump beat Clinton. It’s all the other stuff. (Washington Post)
‘Murderous Crackpots’: Columbia Alumni Spar Over Gaza Protests (The Daily Beast)
Elsewhere Today
Key stories on The Hill right now:
Former President Trump brushed off warnings he could be charged for keeping classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, promising to pardon one of his now co-defendants if charges were filed, according to new court documents. The details, laid out in unsealed documents as part of a broader legal battle in the Mar-a-Lago … Read more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) voted 3-2 Tuesday to ban non-compete agreements that prevent tens of millions of employees from working for competitors or starting a competing business after they leave a job. From fast food workers to CEOs, the FTC estimates 18 percent of the U.S. workforce is covered by non-compete agreements — around … Read more
What People Think
Opinions related to campaigns and elections submitted to The Hill:
NPR gives a masterclass on how not to do damage control
You’re all caught up. See you next time!