Summer Lee is a Democrat representing Pittsburgh’s district in her second term in Congress and has quickly gained a reputation as a pragmatic progressive. A notable member of the “Squad,” alongside Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, Lee has become known for her outspoken criticism of the Democratic establishment and the ongoing failures of neoliberal corporatism. Unlike many of her colleagues, Lee has established herself as a consistent anti-war voice in a Congress filled with members with deep ties to the defense industry. As a Candidate for Peace, she is one of the few vocal pro-Palestinian advocates in the chamber.

Interestingly, Lee’s public anti-war stances are arguably her biggest political liability. Her district is the least Democratic-leaning among Squad members, meaning ideological alignment alone does not guarantee electoral safety. By contrast, former Representatives Cori Bush and Jamaal Bowman were ousted last year after millions were spent by pro-war, pro-Israel lobby groups to back their primary challengers. Lee has so far avoided a similar onslaught from organizations such as AIPAC, yet she continues to maintain her anti-war principles.

Lee has consistently supported peaceful and diplomatic solutions in conflicts abroad. She has voiced strong support for a diplomatic ceasefire and peace talks in Ukraine to prevent further mass casualties resulting from Russian aggression. In addition, she has voted for several anti-war resolutions in the House aimed at ending the U.S. military presence in countries including Somalia and Syria. Prior to her election, Lee was an ardent supporter of the full withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Her steadfast record draws a notable parallel to former Congresswoman Barbara Lee, who famously stood alone in voting against the Iraq War. Today, Summer Lee continues that legacy, leading the charge against military escalation and vocally opposing potential conflict with Iran. Her consistency on these issues demonstrates a rare backbone and integrity that is often absent in elected officials.

In a Congress where warmongering and defense-industry influence dominate, Summer Lee represents a clear alternative: a principled progressive committed to peace, diplomacy, and the protection of vulnerable communities abroad.