Pro-Israel-backed Democrat Loses California Runoff Spot to Progressive Critic
In California's 22nd Congressional District, State Assembly member Jasmeet Bains, who was supported by the Democratic Majority for Israel, lost her position in the congressional runoff to Randy Villegas, a progressive critic of Israel. Despite receiving approximately $500,000 in ad buys from the pro-Israel group, Bains was overtaken by Villegas in the vote count. Initially, Bains seemed poised to advance to the November contest against Republican incumbent Rep. David Valadao. However, the Associated Press called the race for Villegas, who secured 32% of the vote compared to Bains' 27%, with Valadao leading at 40%. This development highlights the shifting voter sentiment regarding Israel within the Democratic Party, as Villegas, backed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, has been vocal about his critical stance on Israel.