Top Democrat survives double-barreled challenge as party’s Israel divide hits home
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark advanced past two left-wing challengers who made Gaza and AIPAC money central issues in the Democratic primary.
TL;DR
- Katherine Clark, House Democratic Whip, won her primary election in Massachusetts' 5th Congressional District.
- Her challengers, Jonathan Paz and Tarik Samman, focused their campaigns on the conflict in Gaza and pro-Israel political funding.
- Clark's fundraising significantly outpaced her opponents, with $4.5 million raised compared to Paz's $88,500 and Samman's $43,800.
- While endorsed by AIPAC, Clark has expressed criticisms of the Israeli government's actions in Gaza and has voted to cut U.S. military aid.
- Challengers argued Clark should renounce AIPAC money despite her criticisms of Israel's conduct.
- Clark has held her position since 2013 and has been House Democratic whip since 2022.