Barbara Lee’s Senate campaign shifts focus to Gaza ceasefire | Elections News

Touted as a beacon for progressives, Representative Barbara Lee, known for her lone vote against the War in Afghanistan in 2001, is now running for California’s open Senate seat on a platform focused on achieving a ceasefire in Gaza. At the age of 77, Lee faces a tough primary with over 20 other candidates, including well-known Democrats like Adam Schiff and Katie Porter. The California Senate race, a “jungle” primary with all candidates competing together, is seen as a critical electoral test for Lee, who has been in Congress for 26 years. Her antiwar candidacy highlights the Democratic Party’s varied views on Israel’s war in Gaza, with many mainstream Democrats supporting Israel’s military offensive while Lee calls for a permanent, unconditional ceasefire. Despite trailing in polls behind her rivals Schiff and Porter, Lee’s campaign, backed by progressive figures like Amar Shergill, has garnered support for her moral clarity on the issue. Democrat Schiff, a centrist who supports Israel, leads the race, while Porter, a left-wing advocate, also backs Israel with conditions. Lee’s consistent demand for an immediate ceasefire sets her apart from her competitors. While facing fundraising challenges compared to Schiff and Porter, Lee’s strong stance on Gaza has mobilized support from progressives and Palestinian rights advocates. The outcome of the Super Tuesday primary remains uncertain, with observers acknowledging the impact of institutional support and campaign funds on the results. As voters increasingly draw parallels between injustices in Palestine and domestic issues, Lee’s message of peace and justice resonates with a growing segment of the electorate.

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