‘Squad’ member Summer Lee survives primary challenge despite Israel comments

Freshman Rep. Summer Lee (D-PA) survived a primary election for her House seat in Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, giving a glimpse of hope to other progressive Democrats facing similar reelection challenges over their calls for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

Lee defeated primary opponent Bhavini Patel, a local councilwoman in Edgewood who challenged Lee for her seat over her stance on Israel and calls for an immediate ceasefire in the country. Despite being a prominent member of the progressive “Squad” in Washington, Lee was faced with the contentious challenge in a district with a significant Jewish population and where the Tree of Life synagogue attack took place in 2018 that killed 11 worshippers.

The Associated Press called the race at 9:21 p.m., with Lee garnering 61% of the vote with most of the ballots counted. Lee’s victory on Tuesday paves the way for her to be reelected to a second term as Pennsylvania’s 12th District is expected to favor Democrats heavily. 

The competitive primary comes after Lee has been under tough scrutiny over the last several months, especially after 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.”

Lee has since condemned Hamas in public statements since its first attack on Israel on Oct. 7.

Her survival could be a beacon of hope to other Democrats facing primaries over their calls for a ceasefire, including Reps. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) and Cori Bush (D-MO), especially as Democratic groups pour millions of dollars into the race, including one super PAC backed by Republican megadonor Jeffrey Yass.

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.

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.

Bush was quick to take a victory lap for Lee’s victory, declaring it as a good sign for her own primary as well as others.

“My sister-in-service [Lee’s] resounding victory tonight sends a clear message to AIPAC and far-right billionaires like Jeff Yass that our seats cannot be bought,” Bush said in a post on X. “From PA-12 to MO-01, our constituents see through the charade, and they’re ready to do what it takes to win.”

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) also praised the victory just days after the firebrand Democrat appeared alongside Lee for a campaign event in Pennsylvania over the weekend.

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“BIG news: [Lee], the first pro-ceasefire member of Congress facing a serious challenge this cycle, just WON her primary in a blowout victory tonight,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote in a post on X. “Billionaires and dark money just took their first L of the season. Next up: Mobilize and defend [Bowman].”

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.