House Democrats in the ultra-progressive “Squad” are facing mounting threats to their jobs, but they are not backing down. A new joint fundraising venture called “Protect The Squad” has been launched by Justice Democrats, a progressive PAC, to support members of the Squad who are up for re-election this year.
The website, linked to Democratic fundraising giant ActBlue, aims to raise $100 million by April 30 to combat attacks from right-wing megadonor-funded groups like AIPAC and Moderate PAC. These groups are threatening to spend upwards of $100 million on attack ads and hand-picked challengers to unseat Squad members.
The Squad members facing serious threats to their U.S. House seats include Jamaal Bowman, Cori Bush, Summer Lee, Ilhan Omar, and Rashida Tlaib. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another original member of the Squad, is notably absent from the list.
AIPAC, a pro-Israel group, has endorsed primary challengers to Reps. Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman. The issue of Israel has brought long-simmering divisions within the Democratic Party to the surface, with a growing number of lawmakers on the left being critical of Israel’s response to the recent conflict in Gaza.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., one of the Squad members, emphasized the importance of coming together to support their movement. “Our Squad is strong, but our movement is under attack from GOP-funded corporate Super PACs,” Tlaib said. “Together-for Palestine, for workers, for abortion rights, for LGBTQ+ people, for democracy-we’re unstoppable.”
The “Protect The Squad” initiative is a testament to the unity and resilience of the Squad members in the face of adversity. With their grassroots movement and fundraising efforts, they are determined to defend their seats and continue fighting for progressive values.
