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Aug 5, 2020 - Politics & Policy

Rep. Rashida Tlaib fends off Democratic primary challenge in Michigan

Rashaan Ayesh
Rep. Rashida Tlaib speaking into a microphone during a congressional hearing

Rep. Rashida Tlaib. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib won her Democratic primary against challenger Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, according to AP.

Why it matters: Tlaib, a democratic socialist and member of "The Squad," found herself in a vulnerable position, facing off against Jones after narrowly beating her two years ago.

  • One of the first two Muslim women elected to Congress, Tlaib has found herself both praised and criticized for her condemnations of President Trump and early calls for his impeachment.
  • Tlaib received an endorsement last week from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), who had clashed with "The Squad" early in the congressional term but is now proudly backing the group of progressive firebrands.

The big picture: Tlaib is the only member of "The Squad" to face an intense primary challenge, as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) won her primary in a landslide, Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.) is running unopposed, and Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) is favored to win her race next week, per the Wall Street Journal.

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