Katherine Clark Wins Primary Challenge in Massachusetts Amid Party Divisions on Israel

<p>House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark won against two progressive challengers in the Massachusetts 5th Congressional District primary on September 1, 2026. The race focused on issues related to Gaza and pro-Israel political spending.</p><p>Clark, who has served in Congress since 2013 and as House Democratic whip since 2022, defeated fellow Democrats Jonathan Paz and Tarik Samman. She is the second-highest ranking Democrat after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and has been involved in opposing Republican spending and healthcare measures.</p><p>Clark's fundraising significantly outpaced her challengers, raising $4.5 million compared to Paz's $88,500 and Samman's $43,800, according to Federal Election Commission filings.</p><p>AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, endorsed Clark and has previously contributed to her campaign. However, she has expressed criticism of the Israeli government's actions during the conflict in Gaza. Last year, she used the term "genocide" at a district event but later clarified her statement. In July, she voted to cut $3.3 billion in U.S. military aid, citing concerns over the Netanyahu government's alignment with U.S. interests.</p><p>Clark has maintained support for Israel as a sovereign state while also being critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Her challengers, Samman and Paz, argued that despite her criticisms of Israel's actions, she has not renounced the AIPAC contributions she has received.</p><p>Clark is expected to run unopposed in the 2024 general election. In her most recent election, she defeated Republican Caroline Colarusso with 74% of the vote.</p>