GOP candidate Andrew Gutmann on Rep. Frankel leaving Progressive Caucus: ‘Too little too late.’
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Florida Republican congressional candidate Andrew Gutmann responded this week to Florida Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel’s decision to leave the Congressional Progressive Caucus.
“Lois Frankel’s announcement that she is leaving the Progressive Caucus is too little too late,” said Gutmann, running to represent Florida’s 22nd Congressional District.
“She is a career politician who has voted with The Squad over 95% of the time even while they have continually expressed anti-Semitic views and have supported the policies and activities of some of the most violent, Muslim extremists,” he continued.
Comprised of more than 100 members, the caucus is chaired by Rep. Pramila Jaypal, D-Wash., and includes Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.
Representing portions of Palm Beach County, Frankel was one of 22 Democrats who voted to censure Tlaib.
As a member of the critic-assigned group name “The Squad,” Tlaib’s censure came after she posted a video of protestors chanting “from the river to the sea.” The phrase is associated with the destruction of the Jewish state.
Tlaib, who is Palestinian, has maintained that any criticism is directed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s government. She also is the only Palestinian-American in Congress.
A dozen democrats, including Frankel, also voted for a $14.3 billion military aid package to Israel.
Vying for Frankel’s seat, Gutmann lamented her move as being politically motivated. A six-term representative, the 22nd Congressional District general election is Nov. 5, 2024.
“[Not] because anything has changed about the Progressive Caucus, but because she realizes that she will be running in a district far more favorable to Republican candidates and at a time when Jewish Democratic voters are beginning to walk away from their Party’s anti-Semitic leadership,” Gutmann said.
According to a 2018 study, the district represents around 120,000 Jewish adults, located in the Greater Palm Beaches region.
Gutmann also condemned Frankel for “pushing woke, far-Left ideology” over decades. Frankel’s progressive score is reportedly 96%.
“If Lois were truly serious, she would be vocal in condemning the squad and the leaders of her own party,” Gutmann said. “Instead, afraid of being penalized for the truth, she has hidden behind woke-speak and meaningless statements of false equivalence, speaking about Islamophobia and violence against the LGBTQ community, while antisemitism and anti-Israel sentiment are raging.”
In 2022, Frankel defeated Republican candidate Dan Franzese with nearly 55% of the vote.
“The parents and voters of Florida’s 22nd Congressional District deserve a Congressman who will stand up for them and not be cowed by the radical elements of either party,” Gutmann said. “Lois clearly can’t take a stand and lead. It is time for her to come home.”
Four Republicans, including Gutmann, have declared for the August primary. Those candidates are Deborah Adeimy, Dan Franzese, and D.B. Fugate.
Florida’s Voice has reached out to Frankel’s office by phone and email for comment.
