Congressional Primary Preview - PA-12

In our continuing series, PoliticsPA takes a look at the Democratic contenders for the 12th Congressional District nomination for the U.S. House of Representatives.

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Summer Lee (D) vs. Bhavini Patel (D)

One of the more contentious primary races in the Commonwealth has been in the 12th District as incumbent Rep. Summer Lee tries to hold off a challenge from Bhavini Patel. Republican James Hayes, who faces no rival on the GOP ballot, should meet the winner this fall.

• Watch WPXI Debate (April 4)

Summer Lee

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Swissvale.
• House Assignments. Committee on Oversight and Accountability; Space Science and Technology.
• Membership. Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Equal Rights Amendment Caucus, LGBTQ+Equality Caucus.
• Last Election (2022). Defeated Mike Doyle, 56-44%, in general election.
• Endorsements. U.S. Sens. Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, U.S. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, Katherine Clark, Pete Aguilar, Rep. Joanna McClinton, Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey, Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato.
• Quotable. “I am never going to stop defending our abortion rights, protecting our public schools, or demanding billionaires pay their fair share, so I welcome being an enemy to an extremist like Jeffrey Yass.”
• Education. B.A., Penn State University; J.D., Howard University
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide | League of Women Voters Guide
• FEC Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $1,400,586.46 | Spent: $255,869.40 | Cash on Hand: $1,169,084.02

Bhavini Patel

• Party. Democrat
• Residence. Edgewood
• Experience. Edgewood Borough Council; Allegheny County Community Outreach Manager.
• Quotable. “Democracy is fragile and fringe extremism erodes the ability to deliver on the very issues uplifting working-class communities. Holding onto the promise of the American Dream requires uplifting diverse voices, building on collaboration and rejecting extremism.”
• Education. BPhil, University of Pittsburgh. MPhil, University of Oxford.
• Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Vote411 Voter Guide | League of Women Voters Guide
• FEC Report (from 1/1/2023 thru 12/31/2023)
  • Raised: $63,196.12311,310.25 | Spent: $93,776.56 | Cash on Hand: $20,579.23