Kendall County Times

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) recently held a virtual fundraising event to benefit five Democratic legislators, including Lauren Underwood (D-Crystal Lake), who represents Illinois' 14th Congressional District.

The move has been met with criticism from National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokeswoman Courtney Parella, who said Underwood is working with the "socialist" agenda of Jayapal.

“Lauren Underwood will support her party’s socialist agenda to try and keep her seat, regardless of how Democrats’ policies are crushing Illinois voters,” the NRCC stated on its website. 

Bloomberg Government reported that Jayapal, who leads a “Medicare for All” political action committee to back her bill, H.R. 1976, brought in more than $300,000 from the event.

Jayapal told the news organization that the funds would be utilized to try and preserve Democratic control of the House, along with networking party channels for support of her progressive agenda.

“Part of our success as the Progressive Caucus over the last year has been that ability to build relationships across the Democratic caucus,” she said. “There might be an opportunity for me to provide leadership skills."

In response to the fundraiser, the NRCC released a press release that stated, "Underwood is going to have to pay the piper."

Bernie Sanders’ website states that, "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."

Underwood beat Jim Oberweis by 1 point for the 14th District seat in 2020 and beat Republican Randy Hultgren in 2018 in her first election.

Underwood will face either Scott Gryder, Michael Koolidge or Susan Starrett who are running to be the Republican nominee in the 14th District. The primary election is slated for June 28 and the general election Nov. 8.