Freshman Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) is calling in some high-powered support to win a second term in the House, with the Pennsylvania election on Tuesday serving as the first test of whether Democratic lawmakers actively calling for a ceasefire in Gaza can survive primary challenges.
The Democratic-held House seat in Pennsylvania’s 12th District is not expected to be competitive come November. But despite being a prominent member of the progressive "Squad" in Washington, Lee now faces a contentious primary challenge over her views on Israel in a district with a significant Jewish population and where the Tree of Life synagogue attack took place in 2018 that killed 11 worshippers.
In response to the pressure, Lee has received help from her colleagues, including firebrand Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY).
“Pittsburgh, what you’re doing on Tuesday is sending a message to the country and to the 1% to say this isn’t working anymore, you’re money isn’t good here anymore,” Ocasio-Cortez told supporters at a campaign event on Sunday. “They can’t buy this election. We are going to grow our representation and expand it.”
Pennsylvania’s 12th District is likely to favor the Democratic nominee, meaning the winner of the primary election on Tuesday is poised to secure the seat. That puts pressure on Lee as she faces a tough challenge from Bhavini Patel, who has targeted Lee over her repeated calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“There is no way of making every single person happy, but what we’re seeing play out in Gaza is undeniably unconscionable,” Lee told the Wall Street Journal. “If you are of the belief that a ceasefire is not the way to go, then that is a perspective. It’s not one that I share.”
Lee has since condemned Hamas in public statements since its first attack on Israel on Oct. 7. However, the Pennsylvania Democrat received scrutiny for voting against a resolution condemning the terrorist group Hamas late last year as well as her vote against the foreign aid package providing relief to Israel that was voted on over the weekend.
Lee, along with several other Democrats, voted against the aid legislation over arguments the money would "result in more killings of civilians."
“All of us support strengthening the Iron Dome and other defense systems and we are committed to a sovereign, safe, and secure future for Israel," the group, which included Ocasio-Cortez and Lee, said in a joint statement. "To protect that future, we believe the United States must help achieve a ceasefire that allows hostages to be freed, humanitarian aid to be delivered, and peace talks to begin."
To be sure, Lee will be a tough incumbent to beat. The Pennsylvania Democrat made history in 2022 after becoming the first black woman to represent the Keystone State in Congress.
But Lee faces an uphill battle as outside Democratic groups pour millions of dollars into the race, including one super PAC backed by Republican megadonor Jeffrey Yass, who is supporting Patel.
Patel, a local councilwoman representing Edgewood, Pennsylvania, has drawn attention in her challenge to Lee, particularly for her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.
“She’s clearly picked a side in this situation and completely disregards her entire district,” Patel told the Washington Post. “I think it’s important that any call for a ceasefire should acknowledge that hostages are still being held."
Lee is not the only Democrat facing tough reelection prospects because of her stance on Israel. Other Squad members, including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Cori Bush (D-MO), are also facing primary challengers over their calls for a ceasefire — with some Democratic Jewish groups actively campaigning against them.
Bowman has stirred anger among some pro-Israel groups for his repeated calls for a ceasefire and his vote against a resolution condemning support for Hamas and other terrorist organizations on college campuses. Bowman also voted against a separate resolution condemning support for Hamas and reaffirming U.S. support for Israel.
Bowman’s New York district, which includes southern Westchester County and a small part of the northern Bronx, has a large Jewish population, leading the Israel-Hamas war to become a central campaign matter.
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Bush has similarly sparked ire among pro-Israel groups for her calls for a ceasefire and her comments accusing Congress and the Biden administration of fueling the deaths in Gaza.
Bowman’s primary against Westchester County Executive George Latimer will take place in late June, while Bush will square off against attorney Wesley Bell in early August. Similar to Lee’s race, both districts are blue, meaning the winners of the primary are expected to win their general elections in November.
The Washington Examiner contacted spokespeople for both Lee and Patel’s campaigns for comment.
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