The House Democratic “Squad,” which gained prominence five years ago by challenging then-President Donald Trump and pushing their party towards the left, is starting 2024 in a defensive position.
Members of this progressive bloc are facing various challenges, including personal controversies, criminal investigations, and serious primary challenges. Despite aggressive fundraising, they are confronting a heightened level of political peril.
Representatives Ilhan Omar, Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, and Summer Lee are all in competitive primaries. While they raised significant funds last quarter, it doesn’t shield them from recent challenges.
The House Democratic Squad (Credits: WSJ)
Bowman pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor, Bush is under federal investigation for campaign payments, Tlaib was censured for statements on the Israel-Hamas war, and Omar was removed from a committee over her past comments about Israel.
These young progressive lawmakers of color are at a crossroads, with diminished influence in the House minority. Without the foil of former House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi, they now navigate a new relationship with Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who is more inclined to hear them out than criticize them.
The Squad has mainly criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the Gaza conflict, causing divisions within the party rather than effecting tangible progressive policy change.
Behind their active fundraising is a concern about potential efforts by the deep-pocketed American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to oppose them.
AIPAC has targeted Squad members for their criticism of the Israeli government and endorsed a primary challenger to Bowman, utilizing a super PAC with $40 million in cash on hand at the end of last year.
“Americans across the country are strongly supporting pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans and are working to defeat anti-Israel candidates.
Our activists are deeply engaged and energized given the critical stakes in this election for the pro-Israel movement,” stated AIPAC spokesperson Marshall Wittmann.
