McHenry Times

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has called out U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-West Chicago) for participating in a virtual fundraiser alongside Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA).

In a press release about the fundraiser, the NRCC called Jayapal a socialist even though she is running as a Democrat, and noted, "Underwood is going to have to pay the piper."

"Lauren Underwood will support her party's socialist agenda to try and keep her seat, regardless of how Democrats' policies are crushing Illinois voters," Courtney Parella, a spokeswoman for the NRCC, said in the press release.

Jayapal recently held an online fundraising event to benefit five Democratic legislators including Underwood, who represents Illinois' 14th Congressional District, according to Bloomberg Government. Other federal lawmakers in attendance included Reps. Katie Porter (D-CA), Susan Wild (D-PA), Cindy Axne (D-IA) and  Sharice Davids (D-KS). The fundraiser brought in more than $300,000. Jayapal heads a "Medicare for All" political action committee in support of her legislation, H.R. 1976. Jayapal is also the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Jayapal mentioned she plans to hold other events during the current election cycle.  

Jayapal is featured on Bernie Sanders' website, which notes, "Pramila Jayapal is the lead sponsor of Medicare for All in the House, and together we recently proposed emergency legislation to provide universal health coverage during this pandemic." The website also mentioned that prior to her time in Congress, Jayapal lead the largest immigrants rights organization in the state of Washington. 

According to Chicago Magazine, Underwood defeated Jim Oberweis for the 14th District seat in 2020 by only 1%. She first won her seat in 2018 against Republican Randy Hultgren. Ballotpedia noted several Republican challengers are running to represent the 14th District and include Scott Grader, Michael Coolidge, and Susan Starnett. The primary election for the state of Illinois is scheduled for June 28, and the general election will take place on Nov. 8.