Progressive Representative Summer Lee successfully defended her seat against a primary challenge from Bhavini Patel, a member of the Edgewood Borough Council. The race was closely watched as a test of Democratic voters’ feelings about the Israel-Hamas conflict and rising antisemitism. Lee, a member of the progressive “Squad” in the House, has been critical of Israel’s actions in the conflict and was one of the first lawmakers to call for a cease-fire in Gaza. Patel, on the other hand, criticized Lee’s stance, claiming it was harmful to President Biden’s re-election chances and out of touch with the district, which includes Squirrel Hill, a historically Jewish neighborhood where the 2018 Tree of Life synagogue massacre occurred.
Despite criticism from Jewish leaders in Pittsburgh regarding her views on Israel, Lee maintained a significant lead in the primary race. The first Black woman ever elected to Congress from Pennsylvania, Lee has faced challenges from pro-Israel groups in the past but did not receive the same level of opposition this time around. She focused her campaign on fighting Donald Trump-aligned Republicans, securing federal funding for the district, and expanding the Democratic voter base. Jewish voters in the district, while acknowledging the importance of Israel-related issues, emphasized that their votes would be driven by a range of concerns beyond just that issue.
Lee accused Republicans of attempting to divide the electorate along ethnic and religious lines by exploiting differences over Israel in her primary race. While groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee did not get involved, an outside group funded by GOP donor Jeffrey Yass spent over $500,000 to support Patel, a fact that Lee highlighted during the final days of the campaign. Both Lee and Patel expressed support for President Biden, with Lee denouncing activists calling for “uncommitted” votes in the presidential primary. Despite their differences, Lee and Patel both emphasized the importance of unity within the Democratic Party and supporting the current administration.
Lee’s stance on the Israel-Hamas conflict has been a central issue in the primary race, with critics accusing her of being too critical of Israel’s actions. However, Lee has also denounced Hamas and expressed opposition to antisemitism. Her efforts to navigate these complex issues while remaining true to her progressive values have resonated with many voters in the Pittsburgh-area district. Even as the primary campaign unfolded against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict, many Jewish voters in the district emphasized that their decisions would be influenced by a range of factors beyond just Israel, highlighting the diverse concerns of the electorate.
Despite the challenges she faced, Lee’s victory in the primary demonstrates her strong position in the district and her ability to connect with a broad range of voters. By framing her campaign around issues like economic equality, healthcare, and democracy, Lee was able to appeal to a diverse electorate and secure significant support. Her efforts to bring new voices into the Democratic fold and advocate for progressive policies have resonated with voters in the district. As she looks toward the general election, Lee remains focused on representing the interests of all her constituents and continuing her work as a progressive leader in Congress.
