California Democrat backed by pro-Israel group loses runoff spot to Israel critic

A California Democratic candidate who received significant financial backing from a pro-Israel advocacy group has failed to secure a spot in a congressional runoff election. State Assembly member Jasmeet Bains, considered a moderate, was supported by approximately $500,000 in ad buys from Democratic Majority for Israel.

Bains was initially projected to finish second in California's 22nd Congressional District primary, advancing to a November contest against Republican incumbent David Valadao. However, in the days following the June 2 primary, school board member Randy Villegas, a progressive who has criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, surpassed Bains in the vote tally.

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consistently has an anti-Israel record.

Villegas, who has also received support from a pro-Palestinian super PAC and reportedly a Republican PAC, has called for a ceasefire in Gaza and labeled Israel a "genocidal regime." The race highlights the shifting sentiments within the Democratic Party regarding Israel, with Democrats aiming to flip the Central Valley district after redistributive redistricting.

The outcome also underscores mixed results for pro-Israel spending in Democratic primaries. Notably, Bains herself had previously stated that Israel committed genocide in Gaza before accepting the endorsement and funding from Democratic Majority for Israel, later walking back her statement.

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genocidal regime.