Summer Lynn Lee is a Democratic politician serving as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district since 2023. Previously, she served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 34th district from 2019 to 2022. Notably, she became the first black woman to represent Southwestern Pennsylvania in the state legislature with backing from the Democratic Socialists of America. Her political journey highlights her commitment to representing her community and advocating for progressive values.
November 26, 1987: Summer Lee's Birth
Summer Lynn Lee was born on November 26, 1987.
2009: Summer Lee Graduates from Pennsylvania State University
Summer Lee graduated from Pennsylvania State University in 2009.
2015: Summer Lee Graduates from Howard University School of Law
Summer Lee earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Howard University School of Law in 2015.
2016: Summer Lee Campaigns for Bernie Sanders
After graduating from law school, Summer Lee actively campaigned for Bernie Sanders during the 2016 Democratic primaries.
2018: Summer Lee Challenges and Defeats Incumbent Paul Costa
In 2018, Summer Lee challenged incumbent Representative Paul Costa in the Democratic primary for the 34th district and emerged victorious with 67.8% of the vote.
2019: Summer Lee's Tenure as Pennsylvania State Representative Begins
Summer Lee served as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 34th district starting in 2019.
October 2021: Summer Lee Announces Candidacy for Pennsylvania's 18th Congressional District
In October 2021, following the retirement announcement of incumbent representative Mike Doyle, Summer Lee announced her candidacy for Pennsylvania's 18th congressional district.
February 2022: Redistricting Leads Summer Lee to Run for 12th Congressional District
After the redrawing of Pennsylvania's congressional districts in February 2022, Summer Lee decided to run in the newly formed 12th district.
May 17, 2022: Summer Lee Wins Democratic Primary Election
On May 17, 2022, Summer Lee emerged victorious in the Democratic primary election, defeating her opponent, Steve Irwin.
October 2022: Tony DeLuca's Death Creates Unusual Political Situation
The death of Tony DeLuca in October 2022, despite his posthumous reelection, created an unusual situation in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives where the Democratic Party gained control but began the new term with fewer members due to vacancies.
December 7, 2022: Summer Lee Resigns from Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Summer Lee resigned from her position in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on December 7, 2022, to assume her new role in the U.S. House.
2022: Summer Lee's Tenure as Pennsylvania State Representative Ends
Summer Lee concluded her service as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 34th district in 2022.
2022: Summer Lee Becomes First Black Woman from Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives
In 2022, Summer Lee secured the Democratic nomination and subsequently won the general election, making her the first black woman from Pennsylvania to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives.
March 29, 2023: Summer Lee Responds to Pittsburgh School Shooting Threats
On March 29, 2023, after hoax active shooter threats targeted two Pittsburgh Catholic schools, Summer Lee condemned the situation and attributed the widespread panic to the prevalence of guns in the U.S.
April 4, 2023: Summer Lee Voices Concern Over Israeli-Palestinian Violence
On April 4, 2023, Summer Lee, alongside Senator Bernie Sanders and other House Democrats, signed a letter expressing concern about the escalating violence between Israelis and Palestinians and the new Israeli government's actions.
April 7, 2023: Summer Lee Criticizes Tennessee House Expulsions
Summer Lee strongly criticized the Tennessee House's expulsion of Democratic representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones on April 7, 2023, linking the decision to Republicans' stance on gun control.
April 8, 2023: Summer Lee Calls for Railroad Accountability After Pittsburgh Derailment
Following a Norfolk Southern train derailment in Pittsburgh on April 8, 2023, Summer Lee demanded greater accountability from railroad companies and advocated for protection from hazardous material transportation through populated areas.
April 25, 2023: Summer Lee Votes Against Resolution Honoring U.S.-Israel Relationship
Summer Lee was among the 19 Representatives who opposed House Resolution 311 on April 25, 2023, which aimed to honor the relationship between the U.S. and Israel on its 75th anniversary of independence.
May 5, 2023: Summer Lee Cosponsors Bill Protecting Palestinian Children's Rights
On May 5, 2023, Summer Lee joined as a cosponsor of the "Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act," which seeks to prevent U.S. taxpayer funds from being used for the mistreatment of Palestinian children in Israeli military custody.
May 19, 2023: Barred from Entering Russia
On May 19, 2023, Summer Lee, along with almost fifty other members of Congress, was banned from entering Russia.
June 13, 2023: Summer Lee Votes Against Special Envoy for Abraham Accords Bill
On June 13, 2023, Summer Lee was one of 13 representatives who opposed a bill that would require the Biden administration to appoint a special envoy for the Abraham Accords.
July 18, 2023: Vote Against Non-Binding Resolution on Israel
On July 18, 2023, Summer Lee joined eight other Progressive Democrats in voting against a non-binding resolution that declared Israel is not a racist or apartheid state. The resolution, proposed by August Pfluger, also condemned antisemitism and xenophobia and reaffirmed the U.S.'s support for Israel. Lee expressed her stance against antisemitism and xenophobia but emphasized the importance of advocating for human rights and democratic values in all countries, including allies like Israel.
October 25, 2023: Vote Against Resolution Supporting Israel
On October 25, 2023, Summer Lee was one of nine progressive Democrats and one Republican who voted against a resolution supporting Israel in its conflict with Hamas. While condemning Hamas's attack, Lee voiced support for a ceasefire and criticized Israel's military actions. She also opposed a foreign aid package for Israel.
2023: Summer Lee Becomes U.S. Representative
In 2023, Summer Lee became the U.S. representative for Pennsylvania's 12th congressional district.
2023: Summer Lee Votes Against Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023
Summer Lee was among the 46 Democrats who voted against the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, the only no-vote among western Pennsylvania house members.
2023: Vote on Removal of U.S. Troops from Syria
In 2023, Summer Lee was among 56 Democrats who voted in favor of H.Con.Res. 21, a resolution calling for the removal of U.S. troops from Syria within 180 days.
2024: Summer Lee Faces Primary Challenge from Bhavini Patel
In 2024, Summer Lee faced a primary challenge from Edgewood Councilwoman Bhavini Patel, running to her political right. The race was considered a test case for similar challenges against progressive incumbents. Lee ultimately defeated Patel.