Ahmed Moor, a Gaza-born member of the Democratic Socialists of America, is challenging Sen. John Fetterman in Pennsylvania’s Democratic primary. The contest would put Moor against one of the Senate’s strongest supporters of Israel.
Moor, a 42-year-old Palestinian-American writer and businessman, announced his campaign on X. He said he wants to end the war in Iran and advance what he called a “dignity agenda,” including free health care, free child care and more affordable housing. He also called for accountability over genocide, ICE and corruption, as well as stronger protections for civil liberties.
DSA members seek office amid progressive frustration
Moor’s campaign is part of a wider push by DSA members to run for public office, as dissatisfaction with moderate Democrats grows among progressives.
Fetterman has faced criticism from the party’s left for his firm support of Israel in its war against Hamas. He has also been willing to work with President Donald Trump on some policy issues.
The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that Moor moved to Pennsylvania as a child, studied at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard, and worked in finance before turning to journalism. He later lived in Jordan and returned to Philadelphia with his wife to raise their children.
Moor’s campaign website criticizes U.S. aid to Israel. It says his birthplace was reduced to rubble in what he describes as a genocide funded by U.S. taxpayers, with backing from politicians in both parties. The site argues that the country spends money on wars while failing to address needs such as public transit and asbestos in schools.
Fetterman has not said whether he will run for re-election.
