Top Democrat Katherine Clark gets a primary challenger

Clark ranks behind only House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the party's pecking order.

Published: December 15, 2025 2:19pm

House Minority Whip Rep. Katherine Clark, D-Md., will face a primary challenge as Democrats struggle to contain frustration within their ranks over the party's response to the Trump administration.

Clark ranks behind only House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries in the party's pecking order. Jonathan Paz, a local organizer, announced his campaign on Sunday, expressing frustration with the party's inability to combat the administration.

“I’m challenging one of the most powerful Democrats in the House because we need new leadership,” said Paz, according to Politico. “Let’s just call it what it is: our Democratic leaders are failing us. They’re not stopping Trump. They’re not making life more affordable. They’re not building a party for the working class.”

Paz's candidacy makes Clark the highest ranking Democrat to face a primary challenger this cycle.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

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