Katherine Clark Defeats 2 Gaza-Focused Rivals in Massachusetts Primary as $4.5 Million Outpaces Challengers
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Katherine Clark Defeats 2 Gaza-Focused Rivals in Massachusetts Primary as $4.5 Million Outpaces Challengers
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 2
Summary
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark won Tuesday’s Democratic primary in Massachusetts’ safely blue 5th District, beating Jonathan Paz and Tarik Samman and effectively securing another term.
Gaza and pro-Israel political money became the race’s central fault line, with both challengers arguing Clark had not gone far enough despite her sharper criticism of Israel’s conduct.
Clark’s financial edge was overwhelming: she raised $4.5 million, compared with $88,500 for Paz and $43,800 for Samman, while also carrying AIPAC’s endorsement and past support.
Clark has tried to balance that backing with criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, including a July vote to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid while still supporting some Israeli defensive assistance.
The result protects the No. 2 House Democrat from a left-flank test and suggests Gaza-focused primary challenges still face steep odds against entrenched party leadership in safe Democratic seats.