Expecting an Onslaught of Spending, Rep. Summer Lee Announces Record Small-Donor Fundraising Haul
Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. Summer Lee’s campaign has announced that it has raised over $1 million, a significant amount that surpasses typical fundraising numbers in Democratic primaries. This comes as pro-Israel groups are expected to spend heavily in an effort to oust critics of U.S. military support for Israel from Congress.
Lee, a member of the progressive Squad in Congress, has made it a point not to accept money from corporate PACs. In fact, more than 90 percent of the contributions to her campaign were made in increments of less than $250. This grassroots support demonstrates the strong backing that Lee has from her constituents.
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has targeted Lee as one of their major opponents this election cycle. The group plans to spend at least $100 million to try and remove critics of U.S. military support for Israel from Congress. However, Lee remains undeterred by this threat and is proud of the movement she has built in Western Pennsylvania to protect and expand democracy.
AIPAC has previously tried and failed to recruit challengers to run against Lee. Despite facing $5 million in AIPAC spending against her 2022 campaign, Lee emerged victorious. This demonstrates her resilience and the strong support she has from her constituents.
Lee’s top challenger, Bhavini Patel, a borough council member in Edgewood, Pennsylvania, announced that her campaign had raised more than $310,000 in the final quarter of last year. While it is unclear whether AIPAC recruited Patel to challenge Lee, her campaign is in touch with the group, according to a source familiar with the race.
In addition to her impressive fundraising numbers, Lee recently received endorsements from the top three Democrats in the House leadership, including Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries. Jeffries, who himself has received money from AIPAC, has expressed support for Democrats backing their incumbents in the face of AIPAC’s efforts.
With Israel’s war in Gaza still ongoing, AIPAC and other major Republican and Democratic donors have pledged to try and oust Lee and other progressive members of the Squad due to their criticism of U.S. military support for Israel. However, Lee remains committed to her principles and continues to fight for her constituents.
In conclusion, Rep. Summer Lee’s record-breaking fundraising haul demonstrates the strong support she has from small donors. Her refusal to accept money from corporate PACs and her grassroots movement have made her a target for pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. However, Lee remains undeterred and is proud of the multigenerational, multiracial movement she has built in Western Pennsylvania. With endorsements from top Democrats and a strong fundraising base, Lee is well-positioned to defend her seat in Congress.