House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark emerged victorious against two progressive challengers in Massachusetts’ 5th Congressional District. She successfully navigated a primary election that put the spotlight on issues surrounding Gaza and pro-Israel political funding.
Clark won decisively against contenders Jonathan Paz and Tarik Samman. Clark was initially elected in 2013 during a special election and has held the position of House Democratic Whip since 2022. As the second-ranking Democrat after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, she has been instrumental in opposing Republican initiatives on spending, immigration, and healthcare. Her efforts have included advocacy against ICE funding and opposing GOP reductions to Head Start and Medicaid.
Clark faced off against former city councilor, educator, and union organizer Paz, along with Samman, a Harvard Law School researcher and union organizer. Both challengers emphasized Gaza and pro-Israel monetary influence in the Boston-area primary but could not match Clark’s fundraising prowess. Her campaign raised $4.5 million, significantly outpacing Paz’s $88,500 and Samman’s $43,800.
AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, has endorsed Clark and contributed to her past campaigns. Nevertheless, Clark has expressed criticism regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, describing them as failing to align with U.S. interests and values. In July, she voted to reduce $3.3 billion in military aid to Israel. Despite her expressions of criticism, Clark continues to support Israel as a sovereign Jewish state and advocates for U.S. aid for specific defensive systems.
Samman and Paz have challenged Clark’s criticism of Israel by pointing out her acceptance of AIPAC funding. Clark ran unopposed in 2024. Her latest general-election opponent was Republican Caroline Colarusso, whom Clark decisively defeated in 2022.