Bhavini Patel stands between Summer Lee and a second term in Pittsburgh congressional race
Published in Political News
"There's enormous value in incumbency," said Chris Borick, a political science professor at Muhlenberg College. "You've succeeded in winning a primary before, and you have higher name recognition. You've built up relationships within your district while serving in office ... those are major factors."
Those connections have been a hallmark of Lee's messaging: that she's served communities effectively across the expanse of the 12th Congressional District.
It's also part of what Patel has used as ammunition on the debate stage: that her opponent is too far to the left to represent the area.
It's an argument that will need to stick if Patel is to have a chance. And she must get Democrats to turn out in the far-flung areas of the district — and in Squirrel Hill, one area where she has seized on her differences with Lee.
"Patel knows where she needs to get her votes from ... turnout is going to be very important," said Larry Ceisler, a public affairs executive based in Philadelphia who tracks various races across Pennsylvania.
Demographics: Squirrel Hill and beyond
An adage of politics is that a profusion of yard signs isn't necessarily an accurate barometer for which way an election might go — because yard signs don't vote.
But in the case of the Bhavini Patel signs in and around Squirrel Hill, they're at least an indication that she has gained traction with voters in that neighborhood. Multiple residents confirmed last week that Patel has their votes.
The two candidates have sparred repeatedly over the U.S. involvement in the Israel-Hamas war.
Patel says Lee has ignored Jewish concerns in Squirrel Hill since Hamas' attack on Israel and beforehand. The incumbent counters by saying she has always traveled across the district and talked with leaders of various religious institutions and beliefs.
...continued
(c)2024 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette at www.post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Comments