A group of progressive lawmakers in the House known as "The Squad" are facing opposition from pro-Israel PACs, such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, due to its criticism of Israel's offensive in Gaza.
They've been the most vocal in calling for a ceasefire. However, though their calls for a stop in the violence have fallen on deaf ears thus far, their efforts have resulted in record fundraising as they look to remain in office after the upcoming election season.
However, the PACs have pledged to spend millions to defeat them in districts that have been solidly Democratic for years. This, in essence, means those areas may become election battlegrounds.
The "squad," consisting of Black and brown mostly female lawmakers, is facing a serious threat to their political careers because of their outspokenness.
Being challenged by the AIPAC, which also considers itself liberal, opens up many questions like, who can be a Democrat in Congress, what positions are deemed "safe" to hold regarding the Israel/Palestinian war, and what role, if any, should outside groups have in determining any of that.
Some analysts believe progressives are being back by Arab and Muslim American groups in record numbers to ensure issues important to them are heard.
Consisting of Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich), Rep. Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Rep Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ilhan Omar (D-MN) Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Greg Casar (D-Tx) and Summer Lee (D-Pa) the "squad" recognizes where their proverbial bread is currently being buttered.
"The fact that amidst these AIPAC attacks, amidst us having a viable challenger, we have record-breaking fundraising quarter is because the Muslim community has felt erased and dehumanized throughout this process," Rep. Jamaal Bowman, D-N.Y., told The Associated Press in an interview last month.
AIPAC has defended its actions in a statement to the Associated Press saying "it is entirely consistent with progressive values to stand with the Jewish state."
Congressional Democrats have been in a pickle regarding the sensitive nature of speaking on any issue concerning Israel that paints the country in a bad light. Even Democrats who support the AIPAC are declining to speak about the situation on record. The Squad consists of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Ayanna Pressley (D-MA), Greg Casar (D-Tx) and Summer Lee (D-Pa).
