Rep. Katherine Clark, the House Democratic whip and the party’s No. 2 leader, has drawn a left‑wing primary challenge from Jonathan Paz, a former Waltham city councilor and community organizer. Paz — the son of Bolivian immigrants who founded a volunteer group that responds to ICE arrests — says Democratic leaders have failed working‑class voters and need fresh leadership. Clark is likely the highest‑ranking House Democrat to face a primary opponent ahead of next year’s midterms, and the NRCC has attempted to tie Paz to other far‑left figures.
House No. 2 Katherine Clark Draws Left‑Wing Primary Challenge From Organizer Jonathan Paz
House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, seen speaking during a press conference in Washington D.C. on Oct. 1, 2025, is facing a long-shot primary challenge from the left as she seeks re-election next year.
Rep. Katherine Clark of Massachusetts, the House Democratic whip and the chamber's No. 2 Democrat, is facing a primary challenge from the left as she prepares to seek re‑election next year.
Challenger Emerges
Jonathan Paz, an organizer and former Waltham city councilor, announced in a video that he will run against Clark, who has represented a suburban Boston district for about a dozen years. Paz acknowledged the uphill nature of his campaign but said he was stepping forward because he believes the Democratic Party needs new leadership.
“I’m challenging one of the most powerful Democrats in the House because we need new leadership,” Paz said in his announcement video.
What Paz Says He Represents
Paz, the child of Bolivian immigrants, recently founded a volunteer group that responds to ICE arrests. He criticized senior Democrats for what he described as failures to curb the influence of former President Donald Trump, improve affordability for working families and rebuild the party’s ties to the working class.
Context In House Leadership
Clark is likely to be the highest‑ranking House Democrat to face a primary challenger in next year’s midterm cycle, when Democrats aim to reclaim a majority from Republicans. A separate left‑wing challenge against House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries — from New York City council member Chi Ossé — was brief: Ossé suspended his campaign a few weeks after launching.
Political Reactions
The National Republican Congressional Committee, the House GOP's campaign arm, sought to link Paz’s campaign to other left‑wing figures, including New York City mayor‑elect Zohran Mamdani. NRCC spokesman Mike Marinella said in a statement: “In today’s Democrat Party, even their own radical leaders aren’t extreme enough for the Mamdani Mob. And they won’t stop until total control is complete.”
Clark’s office has not issued a detailed response to Paz’s announcement beyond reaffirming her record representing the district and her leadership role in the Democratic caucus.
Help us improve.
