The conflict in Gaza took center stage at a California Democratic Party convention in Sacramento on Saturday, with speakers and demonstrators urging party leaders to call for a cease-fire. This progressive stance has generated division within the Democratic ranks.
Pro-Palestinian protesters caused interruptions during on-stage interviews with Representatives Katie Porter and Adam Schiff, along with technology executive Lexi Reese—three of the U.S. Senate candidates seeking the party endorsement. The disruptions ultimately led to the forum being cut short. Notably, Representative Barbara Lee, the lone major candidate supporting a cease-fire, was the only one among the three representatives who did not face opposition from the party faithful. The conflict in Gaza
The actions underscored how Israel’s counteroffensive in Gaza has become a deeply fraught issue for Democrats, dividing many grassroots voters from leaders — including President Joe Biden and top congressional prospects — who have resisted calls for a cease-fire. Activists said they would vote next year based on how Democrats respond to a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians in the weeks since Israel launched its counteroffensive to an Oct. 7 assault by Hamas militants.
“We’re the people electing the people sitting in those seats right now,” said Veronica Boulos, a Sacramento State University student who is active in party politics and helped organize the demonstration. “We’re going to make sure in November that they represent us and they hear us.”