TL/DR –
Congresswoman Summer Lee, initially a progressive insurgent facing strong opposition in her first primary, is now the front-runner in Pennsylvania’s 12th District Democratic primary, despite her criticism of Israel angering some Jewish constituents. Her stance on the Middle East and criticism of the Israeli response to a Hamas-led attack, and her call for a ceasefire has broken with a lot of her party’s position but has not significantly limited her support. Despite her primary challenger, Bhavini Patel, painting Lee as outside the political mainstream and insufficiently supportive of President Biden, Lee has garnered support from mainstream party leaders and has focused on local issues, particularly obtaining federal funding for her district.
Summer Lee Poised to Retain 12th District Seat Despite Controversy
Progressive insurgent Summer Lee narrowly won her last election in a hotly contested Pittsburgh-area congressional race. Now in her second term, she faces a less contentious primary despite criticism over her stance on Israel.
Lee, a member of the left-wing “Squad”, has grown her support among the party establishment yet angered some Jewish constituents over her criticism of Israel. Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey attributes her success to strong influence and growth.
The primary in Pennsylvania’s 12th District has become a reflection of party attitudes towards the Middle East. This follows a Hamas attack that killed roughly 1,200 Israelis, and the Israeli military’s response.
Despite condemning the Oct. 7 attack, Lee is one of Congress’s most vocal critics of Israel, often breaking ranks with Democrats on Israel-related issues. She is unopposed by any significant primary challenger, with pro-Israel organizations now focusing on perceived stronger opportunities elsewhere.
As Lee’s tenure continues, she enjoys the benefits of incumbency. She is backed by mainstream party leaders, Pennsylvania’s senators, labor unions and the Allegheny County Democratic Committee – a stark contrast to her previous opposition.
Her campaign has emphasized local matters, particularly her work to secure federal funding for the district.
Bhavini Patel, Lee’s primary challenger, however, accuses Lee of being outside the political mainstream and insufficiently supportive of President Biden, casting the 2024 general election as a rejection of extremism.
Lee’s allies, however, argue that her diverse base of support positions her to engage voters indicating growing discontentment with Biden, particularly among young people and voters of color.
Despite this controversy, Lee’s stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resonated with several voters. Interviews suggest that her opposition to the Gaza war has left a positive impression on constituents like Aditi Sridhar, 23, a filmmaker.
However, interviews in Squirrel Hill, the heart of Pittsburgh’s Jewish community and home of the Tree of Life synagogue, suggest a more mixed reaction. The war “has energized and activated a group, especially within the Jewish community,” including people who have not historically been politically active, according to Sam Hens-Greco, the chairman of the Allegheny County Democratic Committee.
Even so, Lee has substantial support from Jewish voters, with Jonathan Mayo, a Squirrel Hill resident, stating, “there are a lot of Jews who support what Summer is doing.”
As the primary inches closer, the community remains divided. Some express their horror at the situation in Gaza, yet are troubled by what they perceive as Lee’s dismissal of the Oct. 7 attack. Kate Borger, 65, said she was still conflicted on Sunday but is inclined to support Patel.
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