House Democrat survives left-flank challenge as Bernie volunteer mounts insurgent bid

Rep. Jake Auchincloss advanced Tuesday against Jason Poulos in Massachusetts’ 4th Congressional District.

Auchincloss has held his seat since 2021 and faced his first Democratic primary challenge since winning the seat.

Progressive challenger Poulos is an AI policy researcher who has been critical of Auchincloss regarding past support for military aid to Israel and ties to AIPAC while calling for an end to U.S. military assistance to Israel.

PROGRESSIVE WAVE CRASHES IN SUN BELT BATTLEGROUND AS MODERATE HOLDS HIS SEAT

Poulos, who previously volunteered for Bernie Sanders’ campaign, ran on Medicare-for-all, universal basic income, taxes on corporate automation, stronger unions and student debt cancellation. He also wanted to reduce military spending and end U.S. military aid to Israel.

While Auchincloss is endorsed by AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, he has been critical of aspects of Israel's conduct in Gaza by saying some Israeli actions in 2025 "crossed lines" on humanitarian conditions.

AIPAC is an influential pro-Israel lobbying group that has been criticized for advocating for U.S. military aid to Israel amid the war in Gaza.

HOUSE DEMOCRATS FRACTURE BADLY OVER MASSIE AMENDMENT TO CUT $3.3B IN U.S. AID TO ISRAEL

In July, Auchincloss voted with more than 100 House Democrats to eliminate $3.3 billion in U.S. military financing for Israel, while maintaining his support for the U.S.-Israel alliance.

Auchincloss campaigned on lowering housing and healthcare costs, promoting economic growth and positioning Democrats to better confront the economic disruption caused by AI.

Auchincloss, who succeeded Joe Kennedy III, comes from a prominent Boston medical family.

He had previously been a registered Republican and worked on former Gov. Charlie Baker’s campaign, a line his primary opponents used against him. He later returned to the Democratic Party.