Dem
51
GOP
49
Three big-name Democrats are running for the open Senate seat in California. Up until now, Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Katie Porter (D-CA) supported Israel's right to defend itself, pretty much in line with Joe Biden's position. In contrast, the progressive and always anti-war Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) has been calling for a (permanent) ceasefire.
That has now changed, with Porter swapping positions. In a 400-word statement she is now calling for a ceasefire as well. Schiff, who is Jewish, hasn't budged in his support for Israel. This change of heart could result in progressive Democrats splitting their votes over Porter and Lee, which might help Schiff. On the other hand, some progressives who previously didn't like Porter's position might now vote for her. Such votes would probably come out of Lee's hide, though, not Schiff's.
Lee is now attacking Porter because her new position is calling for a conditional ceasefire. Among the conditions are Hamas releasing all the hostages and a democratic government in Gaza free from Hamas. Lee's position is an unconditional ceasefire now. Dealing with the hostages can come later, if Hamas is interested in doing so, potentially in return for some benefits. So, in effect, each candidate now has a unique position. Lee wants an unconditional ceasefire, Porter wants a conditional ceasefire, and Schiff does not want any ceasefire now. (V)