A lively crowd gathered in Pittsburgh on Sunday to show their support for Representative Summer Lee, a progressive congresswoman facing a high-profile primary election on Tuesday. The primary race is seen as a significant test of her ability to fend off a challenge that has focused in part on her position regarding the conflict in Gaza.
Speakers at the rally portrayed Ms. Lee’s campaign in Pennsylvania’s 12th District as vital for advancing the interests of working people and combating what they see as undue influence from billionaires in the election. The event, attended by several hundred supporters, also drew a small group of protesters outside the Pittsburgh Federation of Teachers headquarters, criticizing Ms. Lee and her ally, Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, over their stance on the war in Israel and Gaza.
Ms. Lee, who previously won a close primary against a moderate challenger to become the first Black woman to represent Pennsylvania in Congress, has received broad support from Democrats. However, she has also faced pressure within her district due to her early call for a cease-fire during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
During her speech at the rally, Ms. Lee emphasized her commitment to union jobs, affordable housing, and a pro-peace movement. She underscored the importance of democracy, stating that a single issue should not determine a community’s representation in government.
Her opponent, Bhavini Patel, a municipal councilwoman, has criticized Ms. Lee’s votes related to the conflict. Ms. Patel attended a rally focused on the Jewish community and denounced Ms. Lee’s supporters as outsiders.
Supporters of Ms. Lee have criticized the involvement of Republican megadonor Jeff Yass in supporting Ms. Patel’s campaign. They have highlighted Ms. Lee’s diverse coalition as evidence of her ability to rally support from key Democratic demographics.
Despite some criticism from protesters, Ms. Lee’s backers outnumbered them at the rally. College Democrats at the University of Pittsburgh endorsed Ms. Lee, praising her ability to secure funding for the district while staying true to her principles.
Mayor Ed Gainey of Pittsburgh energized the crowd by declaring it “Summer time,” signaling strong support for Representative Lee.
A correction was issued on April 22, 2024, clarifying Ms. Lee’s votes on foreign aid packages. She voted against parts of a package benefiting Israel and imposing sanctions on Iran, but supported aid for Ukraine and Taiwan.
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