In A Contentious Race, Bhavini Patel Loses Primary In PA

India-West News Desk

PITTSBURGH, PA – In a contentious battle for the Pittsburgh-area seat, Edgewood Councilwoman Bhavini Patel, a moderate challenger, fell short against progressive Democrat Representative Summer Lee.

Despite her efforts to paint Lee as too far left for the district and overly critical of President Joe Biden, Patel was unable to sway enough voters in her favor. The Associated Press called the race for Lee early on April 23 evening, setting the stage for a showdown with Republican business executive James Hayes in November.

Patel, who aimed to present herself as a more centrist alternative and a staunch supporter of Biden, faced an uphill battle against Lee’s established progressive credentials.

While expressing appreciation for her supporters, Patel looked beyond the immediate defeat, emphasizing the broader issues at stake in the November election. “This race was about so much more than my opponent,” Patel remarked. “It was about passing common sense laws that put money in working families’ pockets. It was about standing up to hate and stopping antisemitism. And it was about making sure President Biden gets re-elected in November.”