Top House Democratic leaders endorse Summer Lee
Lee was one of only 10 lawmakers to vote against a resolution condemning the deadly invasion of Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7.
Congresswoman Summer Lee, who represents Squirrel Hill, was endorsed in her bid for reelection by House Democratic leaders including House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, Whip Katherine Clark of Massachusetts and Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar of California.
Other Lee endorsements came from Pennsylvania’s U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, County Controller Corey O’Connor and Pittsburgh Councilwoman for District 8 Erika Strassburger.
It’s not unusual for party leaders to support incumbents in their party.
In a recent email to potential donors, Lee confirmed she is a member of the “Squad,” a group of progressive Democrats that has consistently voted against resolutions and bills supporting Israel. Lee, along with Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri and Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, all have challengers in the upcoming primary.
Lee is being challenged by Edgewood Borough Councilmember Bhavini Patel, who has been critical of Lee’s stance on Israel. Laurie MacDonald, president and CEO of the Center for Victims, has also entered the race for the Democratic nomination.
Lee, Patel and MacDonald will debate on Jan. 28 at Carnegie Mellon University’s McConomy Auditorium at 2 p.m.
Lee began calling for a “cease-fire in Israel and occupied Palestine” shortly after Israel began its military operations in Gaza. She was one of only 10 lawmakers to vote against a resolution condemning the deadly invasion of Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7. And she was one of only 22 Democrats who voted against a resolution that condemned the support of terrorist organizations and antisemitism on college campuses, saying that the resolution “misrepresents the events and responses on college students and seeks to restrict Constitutionally-protected free speech.”
Lee did not respond to the Chronicle’s request for an interview. PJC
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