Can Summer Lee survive her primary after Israel criticism? 

Rep. Summer Lee (D-Pa.) is facing the first big test for the ultra-progressive “Squad” this election cycle, with voters heading to the polls in the Democratic primary Tuesday. 

 

Lee, one of the first lawmakers to call for an immediate cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war,  faces a challenge from Bhavini Patel, a more moderate Democrat who has openly accused Lee of antisemitism, over her criticism of Israel amid the conflict in the Middle East.

 

Lee has denied accusations of antisemitism, and defended her criticism of the war in Gaza. More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war since Oct. 7, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.  

 

The election’s reach could extend beyond the Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District, as rifts in the Democratic Party over the Israel-Hamas war and U.S. aid to Israel have become more apparent.

 

The election could signal how voters are feeling about the ongoing war and what it could mean for other progressive members who face moderate Democratic opponents in the coming primaries. 

 

Fellow Democratic “Squad” members Reps. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, Cori Bush of Missouri and Jamaal Bowman of New York also face primary challenges this cycle. 

 

Lee, 36, narrowly won her 2022 primary, fending off a more moderate Democratic candidate. Her Pittsburgh-centered district includes a large and tight-knit Jewish community. 

 

Lee’s opponent Patel, 29, also says she’s a progressive, but she has blasted Lee’s criticism of Israel and sought to make it a campaign issue. 

  

Meanwhile, Lee has the support of prominent Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.). Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), an ardent supporter of Israel, also is backing Lee.