Two potential primary candidates are being considered by pro-Israel groups for Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District.
According to a recent report, pro-Israel groups are considering backing two primary candidates in the race against Representative Summer Lee, a Democrat representing Pennsylvania’s 12th Congressional District in the Pittsburgh area.
A market research and data analytics firm called Research-Polls was recently polling the district.
The firm asked questions such as: How would you feel if you learned that Summer Lee was endorsed by DSA (Democratic Socialists of America)? How do you feel about Eugene DePasquale? How do you feel about Rachel Heisler?
Polls also asked: How would you feel if you learned that DePasquale/Heisler received money from a major Trump donor? How would you feel if you learned that DePasquale/Heisler were backed by a pro-Israel organization?
Eugene DePasquale is a former Pennsylvania State Auditor General. Rachel Heisler currently serves as Pittsburgh City Controller.
I am not running for Congress or any office in 2026. Poll tests appetite for 2026 challenge to Summer Lee — DePasquale responds “No thank you” | 90.5 WESA https://t.co/6MHN8cd7z2
— Eugene DePasquale (@DePasqualePA) July 28, 2025
The organization responsible for the polling is the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, known as AIPAC.
The pro-Israel group is funded by donors of President Trump and endorsed more than 100 Republican members of Congress in 2020.
During the last election cycle, AIPAC gave $1.8 million to Republican candidates and $1.06 million to Democratic candidates.
The group also sent a similar survey in May to constituents of Representative Ilhan Omar, a Democrat representing Minnesota.
