Progressive Challenger Takes Aim at AIPAC-Backed Democrat in California's 34th Congressional District

Progressive Challenger Takes on AIPAC-Backed Democrat In a bid to shake up the California 34th Congressional District, Angela Gonzales-Torres launched her primary challenge against Rep. Jimmy Gomez in April 2026, backed by progressive outfit Justice Democrats. This marks a significant shift from the last election cycle, where special interest groups poured over $1 million into Gomez's campaign. Gonzales-Torres, a former Highland Park neighborhood council president, has been critical of Gomez's ties to pro-Israel and cryptocurrency lobby groups. "I didn't move to this district to become a politician funded by corporate super PACs," she said in an interview. Gonzales-Torres was born and raised in North East Los Angeles, where the congressional district is located. Justice Democrats' support for Gonzales-Torres includes access to their grassroots digital funding network, which aims to bypass traditional special interest money. "Being deemed progressive isn't the same as delivering real change," said a Justice Democrats spokesperson. "We believe Angela has the potential to bring about meaningful reform in Washington." Gomez's previous campaign was marked by significant spending from pro-Israel and cryptocurrency lobby groups, which some argue compromised his independence. Gonzales-Torres has vowed to reject such funding, instead relying on grassroots support. The California 34th Congressional District is considered a swing district, with a mix of Democratic and Republican voters. Gomez won the seat in 2022 by a narrow margin, and Gonzales-Torres's challenge may be seen as an attempt to capitalize on growing discontent among progressive Democrats. Gomez has not yet commented publicly on Gonzales-Torres's campaign or Justice Democrats' involvement. However, his office has stated that he remains committed to serving the district and will continue to work towards re-election. As the primary election approaches in June 2026, Gonzales-Torres's challenge is being closely watched by observers who see it as a test of progressive influence in the Democratic Party. With Justice Democrats' backing, Gonzales-Torres may be able to level the playing field against Gomez's well-funded campaign machine. Background: The California 34th Congressional District has been a battleground for progressive and moderate Democrats in recent years. Rep. Jimmy Gomez won the seat in 2022 after a contentious primary election, where he faced opposition from a more progressive challenger. Gomez's subsequent campaign was marked by significant spending from pro-Israel and cryptocurrency lobby groups. Additional Perspectives: Some analysts see Gonzales-Torres's challenge as an opportunity for progressives to assert their influence within the Democratic Party. "This is a chance for Justice Democrats to prove that they can mobilize grassroots support and take on entrenched incumbents," said a political strategist. Others caution that Gonzales-Torres faces significant hurdles in taking down Gomez, who has built a strong network of supporters and donors over the years. "Gomez has shown he can raise money and build a coalition of supporters – it won't be easy for Gonzales-Torres to overcome that," said a Democratic strategist. Current Status: As the primary election approaches in June 2026, Gonzales-Torres's campaign is gaining momentum with Justice Democrats' backing. Gomez remains committed to re-election and has stated he will continue to work towards serving the district. The outcome of this election will be closely watched by observers who see it as a test of progressive influence within the Democratic Party. Next Developments: The primary election is scheduled for June 2026, with Gonzales-Torres and Gomez facing off in a highly anticipated showdown. As the campaign heats up, both candidates are expected to engage in intense fundraising efforts and debate performances. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of progressive politics within the Democratic Party. *Reporting by Theintercept.*