Results for: Progressive Democrats

Netanyahu’s upcoming address to a Joint Meeting of Congress has sparked a deep divide among Democrats. Progressives such as Rep. Ilhan Omar oppose the invitation, citing Netanyahu’s alleged crimes and policies. Meanwhile, party leaders like House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer support it. This divide underscores the growing tension within the Democratic coalition over the Middle East and Israel-Palestine relations. Despite attempts by House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar to de-escalate tensions, many Democrats remain at odds over Netanyahu’s appearance.

Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.), a vocal critic of Israel’s war against Hamas, has defeated her centrist opponent in Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary election. Lee, a member of the far-left ‘Squad’ of House lawmakers, bested fellow Democrat and Edgewood Borough Councilwoman Bhavini Patel in the 12th District primary by a 19-point margin. The contest served as an early test for how lawmakers that have expressed anti-Israel sentiments may fare against pro-Israel candidates in upcoming primaries.

With Summer Lee facing a primary challenge, Democratic divisions over Israel policy are expected to intensify in the upcoming election cycle. AIPAC, a pro-Israel group, has pledged to invest heavily in unseating progressive candidates, including members of the Squad like Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. Lee’s race will provide an early indication of the potential impact of these divisions on Democratic candidates in 2024.

Pennsylvania’s primary election on Tuesday will determine the nominees for key Senate and U.S. House seats, as well as other down-ballot offices. The primary will test the strength of progressive and moderate Democrats, with incumbents facing challenges from the left. Republicans are eyeing potential flips in Democratic-held seats, particularly in the Lehigh Valley and Bucks County. The outcome of these races could influence the competitiveness of the general election matchups and the future ideological positioning of the parties.