2024 Endorsements

As Vice President, Kamala Harris has worked to bring people together to advance opportunity, deliver for families, and protect fundamental freedoms across the country. She has led the fight for the freedom of women to make decisions about their own bodies, the freedom to live safe from gun violence, the freedom to vote, and the freedom to drink clean water and breathe clean air. Vice President Harris has repeatedly called for eliminating the threat Hamas poses to Israel and has said that Hamas cannot control Gaza. She continuously reiterates that “the onus is on Hamas” to accept the proposed ceasefire deal and release the hostages and played a critical role in the passage of the National Security Supplemental Aid package, which provided $15 billion in aid to Israel. Vice President Harris and Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff also played a key role in drafting the first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. The strategy mobilizes over two dozen federal agencies and contains over 100 specific, actionable steps to end this scourge of hate and prevent antisemitic attacks.

Representative Mary Peltola is a former member of the Alaska State Legislature and the first Democrat to represent Alaska in the House of Representatives in 50 years. In the Alaska State Legislature, she served as a consistent advocate for the needs of rural Alaskans and ensured that they had a seat at the table in important budgeting decisions. Following her tenure in state government, she took on critical roles in promoting sustainability in Alaska’s robust mining and fishing industries. Rep. Peltola is the first Alaskan Native to serve in the House and has spent her career working to better the lives of indigenous communities as a member of the Kuskokwim River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and Orutsararmiut Native Council Tribal Court. She is committed to combatting antisemitism, extremism, and white nationalism. When elected to a full term this November, Rep. Peltola will continue to fight for working Americans, represent the needs of Alaskans, and protect reproductive freedom in the House. We are proud to endorse her.

Yassamin Ansari is the former Vice Mayor of Phoenix, the first Iranian American elected to public office in Arizona, and the youngest woman ever elected to Phoenix City Council. She worked as an advisor in the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as deputy political director for the Global Climate Action Summit, and as senior policy advisor to UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierres. Her priorities include climate action, reproductive rights, and affordable college. She is a steadfast advocate for a two-state solution and believes the United States has a “critical responsibility” to help broker a solution free from the threat of violence. Ansari also supports the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism to invest in the safety and security of Jewish communities and build cross-community solidarity and collective action against hate.

State Rep. Kirsten Engel is a former Arizona State Legislator and environmental attorney, and she has worked at the MA Office of Attorney General and EPA. In the Arizona legislature, State Rep. Engel fought to fully fund public schools and universities, build technical education programs and workforce development programs, and implement environmental protections. Additionally, Engel advocated for criminal justice reforms such as drug treatment and improved prison oversight, while standing up to Republican legislatures who attacked abortion rights and voting rights. Her policy priorities include a smart water policy, lowering the cost of prescription drugs and healthcare, and abortion rights. 

Dr. Shah is an emergency room physician committed to lowering healthcare costs and standing up to big pharma to end the price gouging of essential medications like insulin. He believes that politicians should stay out of personal medical decisions, and he will work tirelessly to ensure that women have the freedom to make choices about their bodies. Dr. Shah has already represented key parts of Arizona’s First Congressional District in Maricopa County as a state representative. In the state legislature, Dr. Shah has focused on expanding access to healthcare, such as removing obstacles to HIV testing and improving ER transport. He also played a critical role in preventing anti-choice legislation in Arizona that would have banned medication abortions.

Rep. Greg Stanton was first elected to Congress in 2018. Prior to his congressional election, Stanton served for six years as the Mayor of Phoenix, where he focused on cutting carbon emissions and promoting LGBTQ+ equality. He also served on the Phoenix City Council. In Congress, Rep. Stanton has led efforts to protect the climate, focusing largely on water and climate resiliency. He is also a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and prominently champions the Equality Act. He supports promoting peace and security through the Abraham Accords, noted the benefits of the U.S.-Israel relationship for Arizona, and has voted to pass legislation affirming Israel’s right to protect itself at every turn. JDCA endorsed Rep. Stanton in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Rep. Adam Schiff has a long history of defending democracy and representing the Jewish community and our values on the national stage. In Congress, Schiff has focused his efforts on protecting democracy; he served as lead impeachment manager during the Senate impeachment trial of President Trump, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, authored The Protecting our Democracy Act, and was a member of the January 6th Committee. Prior to being elected to Congress in 2001, he worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney in LA and CA State Senator. His priorities as a Senate candidate include strengthening the economy, safeguarding democracy, and protecting the planet. JDCA endorsed him in 2020 for his Congressional race and now endorses him again as he runs for the open California Senate seat. 

Rep. Gil Cisneros is a former naval officer, Under Secretary of Defense, Los Angeles County Congressmember, and education leader. The son of a public school cafeteria worker and Vietnam veteran, he dedicated his career to public service and enlisted in the Navy after high school. After purchasing a winning California Mega Millions lottery ticket in 2010, he dedicated himself to philanthropy and established scholarships to ensure tuition costs were not a barrier to educational opportunities in his community. He ran for Congress during Trump’s presidency and championed gun safety reform, reproductive rights, and climate action. In 2021, he was appointed Under Secretary of Defense for President Biden. He is now running to replace Rep. Grace Napolitano, who is retiring. Rep. Cisneros traveled to Israel on a congressional trip, where he saw the importance of taking steps to achieve a sustainable two-state solution. Following October 7, Cisneros condemned the Hamas attack and emphasized his support for the Israeli people. JDCA endorsed Rep. Cisneros in 2020.

Laura Friedman is a State Assemblymember and former Glendale Mayor. Throughout her career, she has authored legislation to expand affordable housing, combat climate change, and strengthen the healthcare system. She is also a key advocate for gun control, reproductive rights, and workers’ rights. Friedman is endorsed by the Los Angeles Times, Congressional Progressive Caucus, numerous labor unions, Governor Newsom, Sen. Butler, and over 10 California Representatives. The district encompasses Burbank, Glendale, Hollywood, West Hollywood, Edendale, Tujunga, and part of Pasadena. She is running for the seat currently held by Adam Schiff, who is running for Senate in California.

Assemblymember Adam Gray has served as a California assembly member since 2012. Prior, he worked as an aide in the state legislature and as an educator, teaching classes on state politics and policymaking at UC Merced. Assemblymember Gray is focused on key local issues in the district he is running to represent, including water and agriculture, education, and public safety. JDCA endorsed Assemblymember Gray in his 2022 race and we endorse him again in 2024.

Josh Harder was first elected to Congress in 2018. He was inspired to run to protect health care coverage for people with pre-existing conditions, like his adopted brother. Prior to serving in Congress, he worked at Bessemer Venture Partners and as a course instructor. His priorities include lowering prices, fighting for affordable health care, and combating homelessness. He takes a particular interest in supply chains, and he led a bipartisan effort to improve trucking regulations to make it a more desirable profession. JDCA endorsed Harder in 2020 and 2022. 

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs represents California’s 51st Congressional District – including the Cities of San Diego, El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and the unincorporated communities of Spring Valley and La Presa. First elected in 2020, she is currently running for her third term. Congresswoman Jacobs sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, where she is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Africa, and also on the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee's Quality of Life Panel. At 35, she is the youngest member of House leadership, where she directly advocates for San Diego in the rooms where decisions are made. She also gives San Diegans a voice on some of the most important issues facing the world today, as Co-Chair on the Protection of Civilians in Conflict Caucus, a member of the Bipartisan Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, and as Vice Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, where she also serves as Co-Chair of the Transgender Equality Task Force. Prior to her time in Congress, She served in policy positions at the U.S. State Department during the Obama Administration, UNICEF, and the United Nations, and as a Scholar in Residence at the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego.

Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove spent her career advocating for communities and families. In 2013, Rep. Kamlager-Dove was appointed to the Los Angeles County Commission on Children and Families and in 2015, she was elected to the Los Angeles Community College Board. During her time on the board, she fought to make higher education and career training affordable and accessible to everyone, with a special focus on underserved communities and students who were previously in the foster care system or incarcerated. Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove successfully ran for California State Assembly in 2018 and California State Senate in 2021. While in the California State Legislature, Rep. Kamlager-Dove got her bill, the CRISES Act. As a Freshman Member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove carries with her the experience of serving the people of Los Angeles. She will always be a strong voice for justice and our most vulnerable community members as she continues her commitment in the House of Representatives.

Joe Kerr is a firefighter and served as president of the Orange County Professional Firefighters Association for 17 years. He also served as Vice President of California Professional Firefighters and Vice President of Orange County Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO). He advocated for and helped pass over 200 bills and initiatives focused on advancing public safety, fighting climate change, and supporting workers. Kerr is running to protect reproductive freedoms, curb gun violence, advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, combat climate change, and create an economy and safety net that works for all.

Jessica Morse is a fifth-generation North Californian with experience in national security and wildlife prevention. She is the former deputy secretary for the California Natural Resources Agency and has spent a decade in national security roles in the State and Defense Departments, in addition to being deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Agency for International Development. In addition to advocating for climate action, she is dedicated to protecting reproductive rights, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and safeguarding democracy. Her opponent, is an election-denier, a “MAGA champion” and has ties to insurrectionists.

Congressman Kevin Mullin was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022. He began his public service as a South San Francisco City Councilmember and Mayor, before being elected to the California State Assembly, where he served as Speaker pro Tempore. In the California Assembly, he authored more than 60 of bills that were signed into law including landmark legislation pioneering all vote-by-mail elections and combating dark money in state campaigns. Expanding access to the ballot box and strengthening our democracy was one of Kevin’s top priorities in the Assembly. In Congress, he will continue to defend our democracy from those who ignore the will of the people and the rule of law. 

Representative Mike Levin is running for reelection in California’s 49th District after winning key races in 2018 and 2020. From the start, Rep. Levin has been a strong leader on critical issues to our community. Before joining Congress, he spent years tackling the issue of climate change, working in the clean energy industry to improve both transportation and electric generation. He also spent several years on the board at the Center for Sustainable Energy. Rep. Levin has continued that fight in Congress, serving on the House Committee on Natural Resources and the Select Committee on the Climate Crisis. He supports providing quality healthcare to all Americans, supporting bills that would provide dental and vision coverage under Medicare and improve healthcare outcomes for mothers and babies on Medicaid and in the CHIP program. Rep. Levin is a strong advocate for the U.S.-Israel relationship and a co-sponsor of H.R. 326, which reaffirmed Congressional support for a two-state solution.

Will Rollins, a former federal prosecutor, has experience working in the Department of Justice’s Terrorism and Export Crimes Section where he prosecuted various cases, including charging an electrical engineer for conspiring to send microchips with missile guidance applications to China and pursuing Iranian nationals for violating U.S. sanctions on Tehran. Additionally, Rollins played a role in prosecuting individuals responsible for the insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on January 6. In his current campaign, Rollins aims to protect reproductive freedom, propose comprehensive immigration reform, promote gun safety laws, and as a member of the LGBTQ community, is committed to supporting the passage of the Equality Act. In 2022, Rollins overperformed in the district and came closer to unseating the 30-year incumbent than any Democratic candidate has in the past decade. JDCA endorsed Rollins in 2022 and we endorse him again in 2024.

Rudy Salas has served five terms in the California State Assembly. In 2012, Salas flipped the seat which represents Bakersfield. Prior, Salas was the first Latino in the Bakersfield City Council. Salas’ story is emblematic of the American Dream -growing up as a field worker with his father, Salas prioritized public safety, clean drinking water, small business success, healthcare, workforce development, and expanding educational opportunities in the state assembly. During his final term, Salas successfully secured $50 million of investments for projects to expand local nursing programs, and secured millions of dollars for local schools and colleges. JDCA endorsed Salas in 2022, and we endorse him again in 2024. 

Derek Tran is an army veteran, consumer rights attorney, city commissioner, and small business owner. His parents fled Vietnam and moved to Southern California where they opened a corner market where Derek worked throughout school. He enlisted in the army at age 18, after which he went to law school and opened a small business to support immigrants, survivors of sexual harassment, consumers, and workers. He also served on the Orange Traffic Commission to help with transportation and highway planning. Now, he sits on the board of Consumers of Attorneys of California, mentors at-risk youth, and runs a pharmacy with his wife. His priorities include infrastructure investment to boost clean energy jobs, affordable health care and prescription drug prices, and the right to choose.

George Whitesides is the former Chief of Staff for NASA in the Obama administration and former CEO of Virgin Galactic. In these roles, he led innovation and reform in the space industry—including creating hundreds of jobs in the district. He also co-founded Megafire Action, the first organization dedicated to solving the nation’s wildfire crisis, and co-chaired the Antelope Valley Covid-19 Task Force to bring together stakeholders and support front-line workers. Now, he’s running for Congress to create jobs and expand opportunities in California’s 27th District.

Rep. Yadira Caraveo was elected to Congress in 2022. As a State Representative, she served her community as a member of the Colorado State House of Representatives from 2018-2022. In the State House, State Rep. Caraveo has passed trailblazing legislation that lowered the cost of prescription drugs, expanded preschool funding, limited pollution and prevented evictions during the pandemic. She would build on this critical work in Congress and prioritize healthcare reform, bringing down the cost of housing, fighting back against GOP attacks on voting rights, and combating the effects of climate change. State Rep. Caraveo has been a crucial voice for Democratic values in Colorado and we are proud to endorse her.

Rep. Jason Crow is running for a fourth term in Congress. The son of small business owners, Rep. Crow enlisted in the National Guard and worked construction jobs to cover the cost of college. He served in the Army following 9/11 and led a paratrooper platoon during the invasion of Iraq. After returning to civilian life, Rep. Crow mentored veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, earned his law degree, and was elected to Colorado’s 6th District in 2018. His priorities include workforce development, defending democracy, and veteran policy. In Congress, he has worked to advance a two-state solution. After October 7, Rep. Crow condemned Hamas’ attack in the strongest possible terms. Since then, he has met with families of hostages, spoke with Jewish community leaders to discuss the rise in antisemitism, and supported Israel’s right to defend itself against Iran’s unprecedented attack in April. JDCA endorsed Rep. Crow in 2018 and 2020.

As a businessman and a former city councilman, Adam Frisch has worked to improve housing opportunities, increase childcare subsidies, and secure long-term water rights for his community. His priorities include promoting local energy production, protecting Colorado’s natural resources, expanding access to health care and defending reproductive freedom, and creating jobs. Frisch continues to emphasize economic issues like fighting inflation and creating jobs. In 2022, Frisch received JDCA’s endorsement as well and came within 550 votes of unseating Lauren Boebert. JDCA endorses Adam Frish, a Jewish candidate, for his 2024 race.

Representative Brittany Pettersen was first elected in 2022. Prior, she served in the Colorado state legislature for a decade. Pettersen is the first in her family to graduate both high school and college, and in Colorado, she helped pass the country’s strongest Equal Pay for Equal Work law and advocated for greater investments in mental health and substance use disorder treatment programs. Her legislative priorities include gun safety, fair wages, reproductive healthcare, and the opioid epidemic.

Chris Murphy has dedicated his career to serving the people of Connecticut. Elected to the Senate in 2012, Chris is a leading voice in the fight to create jobs, make sure all Americans have good health care they can afford, and keep our kids safe from gun violence. Chris has earned a reputation as a serious legislator who is willing to stand up for his principles and reach across the aisle. After the Sandy Hook Shooting, he became a leading voice on gun control and filibustered on the Senate floor for 15 hours to force a vote on gun violence measures. On issues ranging from transportation and manufacturing to fixing our broken mental health system and combating the opioid crisis, Chris listens to his constituents and works hard with both Democrats and Republicans to get things done.

Rep. Joe Courtney has served in Congress since his election in 2006. Prior, Courtney served as a Connecticut state representative from 1987 to 1995 and as the Vernon town attorney from 2003 until 2006. Rep. Courtney prides himself on his ability to serve “as an independent voice” for his constituents. While serving as a State Representative, he was honored as the “Democrat Most Admired by Republicans” by Connecticut Magazine. In Congress, he has supported numerous pieces of pro-Israel legislation to promote normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, condemn BDS, and reaffirm US support for a two-state solution. JDCA endorsed Rep. Courtney in 2022.

Representative Jahana Hayes was first elected to Congress in 2018 and was re-elected in 2020. She is the first African-American Congresswoman from Connecticut. Prior, she worked as a teacher and was recognized as National Teacher of the Year by President Obama in 2016. In her capacity as Teacher of the Year, she traveled the country and the world to empower public educators and worked on policies designed to improve outcomes for students. Rep. Hayes is firmly aligned with our values, which has been showcased by her tireless advocacy in Congress. She currently sits on the full House committees of Education, Labor, and Agriculture.

Lisa Blunt Rochester is the first woman and first person of color to represent Delaware in Congress, serving as Delaware’s at-large Representative since 2017. Prior, she served in the cabinets of Delaware Governors Carper and Minner as Secretary of Labor, Deputy Secretary of Health and Social Services, and State Personnel Director. In her tenure, Blunt Rochester has been a leading voice in supporting working families, lowering health care costs, expanding internet service, and protecting access to clean air and water. She is currently a national co-chair of the Harris campaign. If elected, Rep. Blunt Rochester will become the first woman and person of color to represent Delaware in the Senate. She will also be one of at most two Black women in the Senate.

Sarah McBride, elected Delaware State Senator in 2020, gained national attention for becoming the first openly transgender state senator. Prior, she served as the national press secretary for the Human Rights Campaign. She has also worked for former Governor Jack Markell and the late Attorney General Beau Biden and served in the Obama-Biden White House. McBride was awarded the Order of the First State, Delaware’s highest civilian honor. As State Senator, McBride passed legislation expanding healthcare access, promoting green technologies, and providing paid family and medical leave to Delaware workers. Additional priorities include ensuring access to reproductive healthcare, strengthening the economy, and advancing gun safety. McBride’s election would be historic and would make her the first transgender member of Congress.

Matt Meyer, former math teacher and small business owner, currently serves as New Castle County Executive. Meyer grew up in Delaware and, after graduating college, moved to Kenya, where he created a recycled footwear company. He then spent 12 months in Iraq as a diplomat during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn. He returned to Delaware to teach middle school math, where he saw firsthand the impact of unstable housing, food insecurity, and gun violence. He ran for County Executive in 2016, defeating a three-term incumbent, and has since worked to invest in education and expand access to housing. His priorities include strengthening the education system, protecting the environment, and lowering the cost of living. Meyer is a Jewish candidate who grew up attending Hebrew school and participating in BBYO. He is committed to combating antisemitism, extremism, and white nationalism by strengthening hate crime laws, implementing Holocaust education, building community partnerships, and funding security measures for religious institutions. His policy priorities regarding Israel include supporting U.S. aid to Israel and Palestinians, promoting diplomacy, promoting regional cooperation, and combating extremism.

Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is a former member of Congress and a first-generation immigrant who moved to the US from Ecuador with her mother and three sisters as a teenager. She worked through high school to help her family make ends meet, and earned a BA from Pitzer College in Political Science and a Master’s in International Political Economy from Claremont. Mucarsel-Powell has spent the last twenty years working for non-profit organizations such as the Hope Center, Zoo Miami Foundation, and the Coral Restoration Foundation, as well as in the College of Health at Florida International University. She served in the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2021 and was endorsed by JDCA. Mucarsel-Powell is running on protecting reproductive rights, ensuring a social safety net, and securing democracies around the world. She also advocates for gun safety measures, an issue important to her as her dad died due to gun violence. JDCA endorses her again in 2024 as she challenges Rick Scott to be Florida’s next Senator.

Jennifer Adams, born and raised in Florida, is a small business owner, the granddaughter of veterans, and the daughter of a former elementary school teacher. Adams has dedicated her career to community engagement, policymaking, and conflict resolution. She currently serves as the Executive Director for Florida Community Partnership and serves on numerous nonprofit and government advisory boards. A survivor of domestic violence, she helped write and pass bipartisan legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and their children. Her priorities include economic opportunity, quality education, and living wage jobs. Adams supports a two-state solution that ensures Israelis and Palestinians can live side by side in peace and security. She supports enhanced funding for nonprofits to assist Holocaust survivors, strengthen security, and improve the research and tracking of hate crimes in America.

Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick was first elected in 2021 and is the first Haitian American Democrat elected to Congress. She was elected in a special election to replace the late Rep. Alcee Hastings. Prior to serving in Congress, she worked as CEO of a healthcare company and advocated for healthcare reform on Capitol Hill. During COVID, she led her company in vaccinating Floridians. She has also worked with non-profit and outreach programs to provide resources for community members in need and support small businesses. She has worked in Congress to expand access to quality healthcare, strengthen the economy, and grow affordable housing options.

Whitney Fox, born and raised by a single mother in Tampa Bay, has spent her career in strategic communications and public policy as the former Communications Director for the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority and Marketing Manager for tourism businesses. Her priorities include protecting women’s reproductive freedoms and healthcare, safeguarding Social Security and Medicare, expanding access to healthcare, and defending voting rights. Fox is committed to combating antisemitism, extremism, and white nationalism. She is a strong supporter of a two-state solution and Israel’s right to defend itself.

Lois Frankel has represented Palm Beach County in Congress since 2013. Prior, she served 14 years in the Florida state legislature, where she became the first woman Democratic Minority Leader, and was Mayor of West Palm Beach. She became a leading force to improve the economic condition of families and seniors, and to protect human rights and women's reproductive freedom - fights she continues today in Congress as Chair of the Democratic Women's Caucus. Rep. Frankel’s priorities also include standing by Israel and combating antisemitism. Since October 7th, she has been a leading voice in calling for the immediate release of hostages, security assistance to Israel, and aid to civilians in Gaza, and condemnation of the use of sexual violence. She was the lead sponsor of H. Res. 966 Condemning rape and sexual violence committed by Hamas in its war against Israel.

Jared Moskowitz, a Jewish freshman Representative, is a former Florida State Representative and Broward County Commissioner. He also served as Florida’s Director of Emergency Management, where he oversaw the state’s COVID-19 response under Governor Ron Desantis. His main policy priorities are gun control and Israel. A Marjory Stoneman Douglas alum, he touts his success in passing bipartisan legislation in Florida to increase the age to purchase assault weapons and implement “red flag laws.” Since October 7, he has led efforts to secure aid to Israel and combat anti-Israel sentiments in the U.S. Moskowitz is a strong advocate for reproductive rights, protecting the LGBTQI+ community, and combating climate change. JDCA endorsed Moskowitz in 2022. 

Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz was first elected in 2005 and is Florida’s first Jewish Congresswoman. Prior, she served as the youngest woman elected to the Florida State legislature and advocated for issues such as economic equity and reproductive freedom. In Congress, she has prioritized expanding health care, improving quality of life for children and families, protecting reproductive rights, and safeguarding the social safety net. Rep. Wasserman Schultz is known for working across the aisle to secure legislative wins and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and on the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. Rep. Wasserman Schultz has joined JDCA for numerous events throughout the years.

Representative Nikema Williams was first elected to Congress in 2020 to succeed Congressman John Lewis. Prior, she served as a Georgia State Senator. She is committed to Congressman Lewis’s memory by continuing to fight to secure our democracy and protect voting rights and was arrested at the State Capitol for peacefully protesting the voter suppression rampant in the 2018 Georgia elections. Other legislative priorities include reproductive justice, economic justice, and healthcare. She served as Freshman Class President for the 117th Congress and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition and Congressional Progressive Caucus. Williams co-chairs the Black-Jewish Relations Caucus.

Rep. Lucy McBath ran for office for the first time in 2018 after the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Six years prior, she lost her son to gun violence and left her career as a flight attendant to dedicate her life to advocating for gun safety. When she took office in 2019, Rep. McBath prioritized bipartisan solutions to combat gun violence. She has also focused on uplifting small businesses, protecting veterans, and lowering the cost of health care. Rep. McBath introduced a bill to cap insulin costs at $35 a month for seniors on Medicare, which was eventually signed into law by President Biden. She also played a key role in passing Red Flag laws through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Law. Rep. McBath continues to stand with Israel in its defense against Hamas and voted for the national security supplemental to provide military assistance to Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza. JDCA endorsed Rep. McBath in 2020 and 2022.

Mazie Hirono was first elected to the Senate in 2012 as the first elected female Senator from Hawaii and the first Asian-American woman elected to the Senate. Her personal background as an immigrant from Japan and unique path to the Senate has guided her work. Prior to serving in the Senate, Hirono served three terms in the U.S. House of Representatives and was the Lieutenant Governor of Hawaii. She is a staunch supporter of Medicare for All and has a 100% pro-choice rating from NARAL. She has worked in the Senate to support small businesses, invest in transition programs for veterans, and fund public schools.  

Frank Mrvan was born and raised in Hammond, IN, and was first elected to Congress in 2020. Prior, he served as the North Township Trustee for 15 years and worked as a sales representative and mortgage broker. In Congress, he has focused on strengthening the economy through labor and manufacturing policy, lowering healthcare costs, and supporting public education. He urged Congress to pass the emergency supplemental funding for Israel and Ukraine to “protect our freedoms and democracy.” Mrvan will continue to fight to protect access to reproductive healthcare, grow the regional economy by advocating for good-paying jobs, and protect the steel industry from bad actors around the globe.

Nikki Budzinski has been fighting for working families for her entire adult life. After graduating college, she went on to work with a number of labor unions nationwide and stood up for collective bargaining and ensured union members were getting all the benefits they were entitled to. As an advisor to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Budzinski was a key player in raising the Illinois minimum wage to $15 an hour and also helped expand broadband access across the state. She built on this important work in the Biden administration as Chief of Staff for Biden’s Office of Management and Budget, where she oversaw the implementation of the American Rescue Plan. She was elected to Congress in 2022, where she advocates for workers and the people of Illinois in Congress.

Representative Sean Casten is running for reelection in the Illinois 6th Congressional District after winning his first race in 2018 and again in 2020, becoming the first Democrat to represent the district since 1949.  Before coming to Congress, Rep. Casten worked as a clean energy consultant and as CEO of the Turbostream Corporation, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to lead the way forward on climate change.  He has taken that same spirit of activism to Congress where he sits on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, as a member of the Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment. As a member of the New Democrat Healthcare Task Force, Rep. Casten is committed to expanding American’s access to quality, affordable healthcare by protecting and expanding the Affordable Care Act.  He’s targeted overpriced prescription drugs, worked to stop insurance companies from selling junk healthcare plans, and protect those with preexisting conditions. Rep. Casten is also committed to protecting women’s access to healthcare options, including the right to choose, and has worked on legislation to help reduce the pay gap between men and women. Rep. Casten understands the special relationship between Israel and the United States and supports continued aid for Israel, the Iran Nuclear Deal, and a two-state solution.  He co-sponsored House Resolution 326 which reaffirmed congressional support for a two-state solution.

Rep. Bill Foster was first elected to Congress in 2008. Prior, he worked as a physicist and played a leading role in several groundbreaking experiments in elementary particle physics. In Congress, Rep. Foster has focused on healthcare and economic reform. He played a key role on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus and helped create the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in response to the Great Recession. In Congress, he has supported normalization efforts between Israel and Arab states and reaffirmed U.S. support for a two-state solution. JDCA endorsed Rep. Foster in 2022.

Representative Brad Schneider has been serving his community from as early as 2013 as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Illinois’s 10th District from 2013-2015 and 2017-present. In the House, Rep. Schneider has been a strong voice for entrepreneurs and small business owners, using his position on the House Small Business Committee to advocate for policies that clear up red tape and spur innovation. On the Ways and Means Committee, Rep. Schneider has fought to protect Social Security and Medicare from Republican attacks and bring down taxes for working families. Rep. Schneider is a Jewish candidate and has worn his Jewish values on his sleeve as a trustee of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and a proud advocate for Jewish issues in Illinois. He has been an effective legislator in the House and we are proud to endorse him for reelection.

Eric Sorensen was elected to Congress in 2022. Before his time in Congress, Rep. Sorensen worked as a weatherman for 22 years. He sees it as a service to his community, and that work has helped him build a relationship and high name recognition with his viewers. As a weatherman, Sorensen has been an especially important voice on climate change in his local community. He began incorporating climate coverage into his meteorology early in his career, long before the practice became mainstream. In addition to climate change, Sorensen shares our values on a host of key issues, including creating a public option for health care, investing in public education, and creating good-paying sustainable jobs. 

Rep. Lauren Underwood was first elected in 2017 after beating Republican incumbent Randy Hultgren. Prior, Rep. Underwood was a nurse and health policy professional. She served in the Obama administration as a Senior Advisor in the Department of Health and Human Services. Rep. Underwood’s platform and legislative record focus on health policy. She is best known for helping to draft the “Momnibus” package, a series of proposals aimed at helping mothers with an emphasis on Black mothers. Rep. Underwood has a strong pro-Israel record, including supporting increased Iron Dome funding in 2021 and the 2024 national security supplemental to provide military assistance to Israel and humanitarian aid to Gaza. JDCA endorsed Rep. Underwood in 2020 and 2022. 

A first-generation American, Baccam is a combat veteran and former USDA employee who has worked to implement high-speed internet access to rural America and expand job pathways to veterans transitioning to agricultural careers. Baccam enlisted in the Iowa National Guard at age 17 and served in Afghanistan in 2004 as a combat engineer. At the USDA, Baccam has helped implement investments to create good-paying jobs and lower costs across the country. His priorities include affordable health care, women’s reproductive freedoms, and strengthening the economy. IA-03 covers the southern quadrant of the state, including the Des Moines metropolitan area.

Christina Bohannan, a law professor, engineer, and former state legislator, grew up in a mobile home in a rural small town with working-class parents. She was the first in her family to finish college and graduated first in her law school class. In 2020, Bohannan defeated a 20-year incumbent to serve in the Iowa House. Bohannan’s priorities include strengthening technical and vocational training for high-wage jobs, investing in schools, protecting working class families, ensuring protections for voting rights, and increasing access to quality, affordable health care. Healthcare is personal to her; while she was in high school, her father grew ill and his health insurance was canceled, forcing them to choose between paying for his medicine and bills. JDCA endorsed Bohannan in 2022 and endorse her again in 2024.

Representative Sharice Davids is running for re-election in the Kansas 3rd Congressional District. In 2018, Rep. Davids made history as the first LGBTQ+ Native American member of Congress. In just two terms, Rep. Davids has proven herself to be a leader on issues on combating antisemitism, supporting a House resolution that condemned antisemitism and bigotry. Davids also recognizes the importance of the strong relationship between the United States and Israel, supports reentering the Iran Nuclear Deal, and opposes the BDS movement.  On healthcare, Rep. Davids wants to expand and protect the Affordable Care Act, lower the price of prescription drugs, improve the quality of care and protect individuals with preexisting conditions from being denied coverage. Davids supports comprehensive immigration reform that secures our border in smart, effective ways, while also providing a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers. Before Congress, she served in the Department of Transportation in the Obama and Trump administrations. She has cosponsored many pro-Israel bills, including the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which promotes normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, as well as legislation condemning BDS.

Angus King was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Prior to his election, King served as Governor of Maine. King is one of three Independents in the Senate but caucuses with the Democratic Party and supports Democratic policy issues such as abortion rights, the Affordable Care Act, and expanding background checks for gun sales.

Angela Alsobrooks is the current County Executive of Prince George’s County, the first woman to hold this position and the first African American female county executive in Maryland history. Prior, she served as the State’s Attorney and Prince George’s County’s first full-time domestic violence prosecutor. In these roles, she has focused on creating jobs and growing economic opportunity, investing in education and breaking ground on 10 new schools, expanding access to health care, mental health and addiction treatment, youth outreach and making sure people are safe. If elected to the U.S. Senate, she will be the first black woman to represent Maryland in the Senate. Alsobrooks’ priorities include public safety, abortion access and reproductive freedom, and lowering healthcare costs. Alsobrooks will be a strong supporter of Israel and understand the need to eliminate Hamas while simultaneously addressing the humanitarian crisis. She believes Hamas must release the hostages and supports all efforts to bring them home.

Sarah Elfreth is the youngest woman ever elected to the Maryland Senate, representing the 30th district since 2019. Prior to her political career, Elfreth served as the Director of Government Affairs of the National Aquarium and as Director of University Projects for Margrave Strategies, focusing on economic development in university towns. In Elfreth’s five years in office, she worked to pass 84 bills, all of which had bipartisan support. Her key issues include strengthening public schools, protecting the environment, supporting small businesses, and safeguarding reproductive freedom.

Representative Glenn Ivey was elected to Congress in 2022. Prior, he served two terms as the Prince George's County Attorney. Ivey is passionate about the power of public service, and as state attorney, he established the first-ever Domestic Violence Prevention Unit and a mortgage fraud unit to fight for homeowners who lost out when the real estate market suffered. Ivey is an advocate for gun safety, reproductive rights, criminal justice reform, education, and environmental protection. He is especially adamant about social justice reform, focusing on race and health equity. Ivey is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. JDCA endorsed Ivey in 2022.

April McClain Delaney is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information in President Biden’s Department of Commerce. Prior, she served as the Washington Director of the non-profit Common Sense Media for 15 years. Her campaign focused on her desire to leverage technology to drive economic development, as well as rebuilding our democracy after Trump’s presidency. April is prepared to leverage her experience in Congress and address challenges through a “common-sense, common-ground” approach. McClain Delaney has stated that in Congress, she “will stand strongly with our great ally Israel, including its right to defend itself against acts of terrorism and support the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel.”

Baltimore County Executive John Olszewski Jr., known as Johnny O, is a former public school teacher born and raised in Baltimore County. His experience teaching inspired him to run for public office. As County Executive, he has taken action to combat gun violence, close an $81 million budget deficit, and raise teacher pay. His priorities include reproductive freedom, democracy and voting rights, and government accountability. He strongly opposes antisemitism, extremism, and white nationalism. 

Congressman Jamie Raskin is running for reelection in the Maryland 8th Congressional District. Rep. Raskin believes that providing quality healthcare is an essential requirement of a modern society and is working to ensure that every American is able to access affordable and quality healthcare.  Rap Raskin is also a leader in the fight against climate change.  Rep. Raskin was chosen by the Democratic Caucus to be the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability in the 118^th Congress. This is his fourth term serving on the Oversight Committee. Rep. Raskin was the lead impeachment manager in the second impeachment trial of former president Donald Trump and served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. As a Maryland State Senator, he wrote the Green Maryland Act and was an original cosponsor of the Green New Deal in Congress.  He has also worked extensively on gun control, and wants to provide for universal background checks, red flag laws, close gun sale loopholes, and ban assault weapons and high capacity magazines.  Jamie is a supporter of a two-state solution and opposes the BDS movement, believing that dialogue is the best way forward to ensuring a lasting and equitable peace between Israelis and Palestinians. 

Representative Jake Auchincloss was first elected in 2020 and is in his second term in Congress. Prior to serving in the House, Auchincloss joined the Marines and commanded infantry in Afghanistan and special operations in Panama, served on the Newton City Council, and ran product development at a Fortune 100 insurance company and cybersecurity startup. In Congress, he has focused on health care, clean energy, gun violence, and building a strong middle class. He is also an advocate for smarter, not bigger, Pentagon spending to maintain a strong military and avoid Forever Wars.

Born in Worcester and raised in Springfield, Rep. Richard Neal relied on Social Security survivor benefits to attend college. He taught history and served as a city councilor, mayoral aide, and Mayor of Springfield before serving in Congress. Neal is running for his 17th term in Congress. Rep. Neal helped write the Affordable Care Act and has encouraged states to expand Medicaid coverage. He is also a champion for climate action and has taken action in Congress to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and invest in green energy. Throughout his career, he has been a steadfast advocate for Israel and the Jewish community. JDCA endorsed Rep. Neal in 2020. 

Rep. Elissa Slotkin was first elected to Congress in 2018, flipping a district that had been represented by Republicans since 2001. Now, she is running for the open Michigan Senate seat to replace the retiring Senator Debbie Stabenow, who has endorsed Rep. Slotkin. Prior to her election to Congress, Slotkin served in various capacities in the CIA, the National Security Council, the Department of State, and the Department of Defense. With her national security background, she has been a strong pro-Israel advocate in the House. JDCA endorsed Rep. Slotkin in 2018, 2020, and 2022, and she has been a great friend to our organization, having joined us for multiple events.

Curtis Hertel began his public service as Ingham County Commissioner in 2001. He has since worked as Constituent Relations Director for the House Democratic Caucus and Ingham County Register of Deeds, State Senator for Lansing and East Lansing, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s Director of Legislative Affairs. Throughout his career, he has been an avid supporter of abortion rights; he was a key leader in repealing Michigan’s 1931 extreme abortion ban. Curtis Hertel knows that cutting taxes for retirees and working people, restoring vital manufacturing jobs, and protecting our rights and safety are all critical to Mid-Michigan, and he will prioritize these in office.

Carl Marlinga is a former prosecutor, assistant US attorney, and judge running for Congress in Michigan’s 10th district. Marlinga has served his community for almost 40 years in these roles and cited January 6th as a key reason for his congressional run in 2022. Other top priorities for Marlinga include criminal justice reform, abortion access, job creation, and the environment. Marlinga ran against Rep. John James in the last cycle and lost by 0.5 points. Following the October 7 terror attack, Marlinga was quick to unequivocally stand with Israel. Marlinga has also spoken out against antisemitism and hate. JDCA endorsed Marlinga in 2022. 

State Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet grew up in a working-class Catholic household and was the first generation in her family to attend college. She served as Executive Director of Michigan Head Start, Chief of Staff for Michigan’s Department of Education, and Vice President of the Skillman Foundation. Elected to the Michigan State Senate in 2022, she was the first Democrat in over a decade and the first woman ever to represent the Great Lakes Bay Region. Her priorities include supporting working families, lowering costs, protecting abortion rights, and passing common-sense gun violence prevention legislation. McDonald Rivet unequivocally condemns the October 7 attack and believes in Israel’s right to defend itself, bring home the hostages, and eliminate Hamas.

Hillary Scholten has been creating change in her community since she began her career as a caseworker for the Aids Action Committee, where she worked to shield members of the LGBTQ+ community from housing discrimination. From there, she clerked for the U.S Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and later went on to work for the Department of Justice under the Obama administration. At the DOJ, she focused on reforming American immigration policies and ensuring that immigrants were being treated fairly throughout the immigration process. Since then, Scholten has taken on roles at the Times Up Legal Defense Fund and the Michigan Immigrant Rights Center to provide legal assistance to those who need it most. She will continue to fight for the people of Western Michigan in Congress by defending the Affordable Care Act, investing in public education, and securing funding for infrastructure projects. 

Representative Haley Stevens has brought energy and effectiveness to Congress and is running for reelection this November for Michigan’s 11th district. She has passed multiple pieces of legislation advancing American manufacturing, developing STEM education, and protecting Americans. Rep. Stevens believes we must implement a public option for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and allow those aged 55-65 to buy into Medicare. She believes in promoting a clean energy future and securing the “Pure Michigan” her constituents deserve. Rep. Stevens believes we must pass comprehensive immigration reform that recognizes human dignity and work to solutions that close the loopholes in our gun control laws. On Israel, Rep. Stevens believes that the U.S. and Israel share a special relationship bound to common values and that the U.S.-Israel relationship must not be politicized. Rep. Stevens stands firmly against the BDS movement and believes in Israel’s fundamental right to self-defense.

As the granddaughter of an iron ore miner, the daughter of a teacher and a newspaperman and the first woman elected to the United States Senate from her state, Amy understands that we live in a country of shared dreams -- that no matter where you come from, or who you are, or the color of your skin, or how much money you have, or where you worship, or who you are, you should be able to make it in the United States of America. Prior to her election to the Senate, Klobuchar served as County Attorney of Hennepin County. She was ranked the “most effective” Democratic senator in the 115th Congress and has worked to advance key legislation, leading efforts to end human trafficking, combat the opioid epidemic, and consumer product safety legislation. She also spearheaded the Freedom to Vote Act in the Senate. Klobuchar currently chairs the Senate Democratic Steering and Outreach Committee.

Representative Angie Craig was elected to represent Minnesota’s 2nd district in 2018 and is running for a third term this November. Coming from humble beginnings, she has established herself as a champion of the people with a unique ability to break through partisan politics and get things done. For example, she has pushed for healthcare reform in fighting to lower health insurance premiums and prescription drug prices. If re-elected, Rep. Craig will continue to push for increased access to affordable and quality healthcare, while ensuring that all Americans and families can receive care when sick.  Rep. Craig believes in science and will work to address the effects of climate change with lasting solutions. Rep. Craig supports positioning the United States as a leading power in a global green economy. Rep. Craig is also committed to protecting veterans and their benefits, fighting for civil rights, and working towards establishing a country that is safe from gun violence. Rep. Craig believes that Israel is our greatest ally in the Middle East and wants to ensure our long-lasting partnership is preserved. She supports a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict and opposes the BDS movement. Rep. Craig is also committed to fighting antisemitism, xenophobia, and the rise of hate crimes. Rep. Craig made history by becoming the first LGBTQ individual elected to Congress from Minnesota. Before running for Congress, she was a reporter and worked at a medical device company.

Morrison has served as an OB-GYN in Minnesota for over twenty years. She first ran for office in 2018 and was elected to the MN House for two terms before earning a seat in the MN Senate in 2023. In office, she has focused on affordable healthcare, taking on Big Pharma, and reproductive rights. Now, she’s running to replace Dean Phillips, who is retiring at the end of this term. Her priorities also include combating gun violence, strengthening mental health support in schools, and protecting Minnesota’s environment. Morrison supports the alliance between the U.S. and Israel and believes the U.S. should do everything it can to work toward a two-state solution. 

Wesley Bell currently serves as St. Louis County Prosecutor, where he has led a variety of initiatives focused on making law enforcement more effective and accountable. He established a violent crimes unit that focused on domestic violence and invested in programs to support offenders who struggled with substance abuse disorder and mental health issues, an initiative with a nearly 90% success rate. His record includes diverting 2,200 low-level, nonviolent defendants to job training and health care programs and ending death penalty prosecutions in the county. Bell also advocates for strengthening the economy through job and skills training, reinvesting in rural communities, expanding access to health insurance, lowering prescription drug costs, defending reproductive rights, fighting climate change, raising the federal minimum wage, and believes a strong middle class comes from strong unions. Bell also supports a two-state solution and opposes conditioning aid to Israel. 

Ray Hartmann, the Jewish son of a Holocaust survivor, is a first-time candidate well known for his 50-year career in local media in St. Louis. Hartmann is the founder of The Riverfront Times and former owner and CEO of St. Louis magazine. He was also a panelist on the PBS show Donnybrook. Hartmann has centered on upholding democracy and reproductive freedom, investing in infrastructure programs, and strengthening public education in his campaign. As the son of Holocaust survivors, Hartmann is a strong advocate for policies that combat antisemitism. His priorities include strengthening hate crime laws, promoting education and awareness, holding extremist groups accountable, and protecting democratic institutions from white Christian nationalism.

Senator Jon Tester was first elected to the Senate in 2006. Prior to his election, Sen. Tester was a member of the Montana Senate and served as its president. He is the only Democrat to hold statewide political office in Montana and supports the Respect for Marriage Act and the Affordable Care Act, as well as abortion rights.

Monica Tranel is a lawyer and former Olympic rower. She grew up on a ranch in eastern Montana and has worked for Montana business owners and ranchers. As an attorney, Tranel took on billionaires and corporate monopolies to protect working families, including by winning cases against NorthWestern Energy, a New York Hedge fund, and out-of-state corporations attempting to steal land from local ranchers. Tranel believes in raising wages, passing the PRO Act, and increasing taxes on the wealthy and corporations. JDCA endorsed Tranel in 2022 and endorses her again in 2024 as she continues to fight for Montanans.

Tony Vargas, a son of working-class Peruvian immigrants, has served as a state senator of Nebraska since 2016. Previously, he was a teacher and school board member. In the state legislature, he championed efforts to strengthen public schools, improve access to health care, encourage technology and innovation, and improve consumer protections. As part of his fight to improve health care, Vargas fought to expand Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act. In Congress, Vargas hopes to build on the ACA by creating a public option and lowering the costs of prescription drug prices. JDCA endorsed Vargas in 2022 and endorse him again in 2024 as he runs to unseat a Republican and defend our values. 

Senator Jacky Rosen was first elected to the Senate in 2018, defeating an incumbent Republican. Prior to her election, Rosen served for two years in the U.S. House. Rosen supports an assault weapons ban and a $15 minimum wage, and is an avid defender of abortion rights. She is Jewish, a strong advocate for the Jewish American community, and has led numerous pieces of legislation to combat antisemitism and support Israel.

Representative Steven Horsford was first elected to Congress in 2012. He lost re-election in 2014 before returning to Congress in 2018, and he has served ever since. Prior, he was a member of the Nevada Senate, where he was Majority Leader from 2009 to 2013.  Rep. Horsford frequently cosponsors pro-Israel legislation, including the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which promotes normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, as well as legislation condemning BDS. Rep. Horsford is active in efforts to remove statues of antisemites from Nevada and the US Capitol. He supports the JCPOA and believes it is the best way to limit Iran’s nuclear program.

Representative Susie Lee’s experience advocating on behalf of education throughout her career has carried over into Congress, where she is a champion for working people in her district. She is committed to continuing to expand on the Affordable Care Act by creating a public healthcare option, working to lower prescription drug prices, increasing price transparency for all healthcare-related costs, and protecting individuals with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage.  In addition, Rep. Lee is a champion for improving education, women’s reproductive rights, and protecting the environment from the effects of climate change. Rep. Lee wants to create clean-energy jobs that will transform the economy and the environment to survive for future generations to come. Rep. Lee is committed to fighting antisemitism both domestically and globally. She supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, opposes the BDS movement, and supports the Iran Nuclear Deal. Before her election, Rep. Lee worked with several nonprofits focused on education and youth services.

Representative Dina Titus was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008. She joined Congress after teaching government at University of Nevada, Las Vegas for 34 years. Additionally, she was the Senate Minority Leader in the state legislature from 1993-2008. Rep. Titus has devoted her life to education, both as a teacher and in her work in Congress. Titus has also emerged as a prominent voice against gun violence. She supports comprehensive immigration reform, protecting persons with disabilities, and expanding protections for seniors. Titus is a supporter of Israel and a two-state solution. 

Maggie Goodlander, born and raised in Nashua, is a former policy advisor on the Hill, intelligence officer in the United States Navy Reserve, law professor, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, and senior advisor at the White House. She also served as counsel in the first impeachment of Donald Trump. Goodlander’s priorities include protecting our democracy, defending our freedoms, and supporting the middle class and working families. This is an open seat following Rep. Annie Kuster’s retirement. Goodlander has emphasized her support for the U.S.-Israel relationship and, in a primary debate, stated that it is one rooted in “deeply held” values and interests.

Representative Chris Pappas was first elected to Congress in 2018 and has been an advocate for the people of New Hampshire’s 1st district throughout his service. Prior, he served in the New Hampshire Executive Council. Rep. Pappas is the first openly gay man to represent New Hampshire in Congress. He has worked tirelessly on issues such as the opioid epidemic and increasing access to affordable health care. He is committed to lowering the cost of prescription drugs by fighting to end special tax breaks for pharmaceutical companies, increasing healthcare-related cost transparency, improving access to low-income seniors, and allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. He has vowed to protect the Affordable Care Act, protect individuals with pre-existing conditions from being denied coverage, standing up for female reproductive rights and healthcare.  Rep. Pappas wants to increase funding for public education, make college more affordable, protect small businesses, expand career and technical and education programs, support paid family leave, increase the federal minimum wage, protect the LGBTQ+ community, enact stricter EPA regulations to protect access to clean drinking water and preserve the environment, and is committed to ending gun violence in the United States. Pappas supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He supported the Iran Nuclear Deal, opposes the BDS movement, is committed to continuing to provide aid to Israel, and believes that Israel has a right to exist as a Jewish and democratic state.

Joyce Craig, born and raised in Manchester, was the first woman elected Mayor of Manchester. Prior to her three terms as mayor, Craig was a Board of School Committee Member and Alderman. She focused on creating new jobs, expanding housing accessibility, strengthening public education, and addressing violent crime. Her campaign has highlighted her commitment to protecting access to abortion and continuing to increase affordable housing and invest in public schools. Craig is a strong advocate for a two-state solution and supports the Biden Administration’s work with international partners to achieve a peaceful end to hostilities through a negotiated hostage deal. Following October 7th, Craig lit Manchester City Hall in blue and white lights in support of Israel. She also supported the original $118 billion national supplemental that included foreign aid for Israel.

Andy Kim was first elected to Congress in 2018, narrowly beating a Republican incumbent. He is the first Democratic member of Congress of Korean descent, a former national security advisor for President Obama, and a foreign affairs officer with the Department of State. Rep. Kim is the son of Korean immigrants who came here seeking the American dream. Rep. Kim first decided to run for office in part to protect the Affordable Care Act and continues to fight for its protection and expansion in Congress. He has prioritized policies that support working families and strengthen national and economic security. Kim is remembered by so many across the country as the Congressman solemnly helping to clean up the Capitol after the insurrection.

Sue hails from NJ-07. She grew up in Clinton, attended public school, and still calls Hunterdon County home. After playing college and professional basketball, Sue went on to become a teacher and successful basketball coach in Warren County, leading two teams to championships. As a longtime advocate, Sue became a leader in the movement to fight for New Jersey’s public education when she stood up to then-Governor Chris Christie in order to protect teachers and fight against cuts to our public schools. Sue spent years fighting corruption and the waste of taxpayer dollars in Trenton – taking on both parties to put everyday New Jerseyans ahead of partisan politics. Now, she’s running for Congress to take this same fight to Washington – working to lower costs for working families, protect our natural environment, and secure New Jerseyans’ reproductive rights and fundamental freedoms.

Dr. Herb Conaway is a U.S. Air Force veteran with both medical and law degrees. He has represented the 7th Legislative District in the New Jersey General Assembly since 1998, was the Majority Whip from 2014 to 2017, and was Deputy Speaker from 2002 to 2005 and again since 2022. His priorities include improving the economy, protecting reproductive rights, and safeguarding our democracy. He is running to replace Rep. Andy Kim, who is running for the open New Jersey Senate seat. Conaway stands strongly against antisemitism and emphasizes the need to support Jewish Americans. Regarding Israel, Conaway said, “I’ve been a supporter of Israel since my teenage years, and the United States must be a guarantor of the safety and security of Israel.”

Rep. Josh Gottheimer was first elected in 2015, unseating a Republican. While in Congress, he has distinguished himself as a bipartisan leader who believes in working together across party lines to find common ground to get things done. His priorities in Congress include defending Israel, lowering taxes, securing affordable healthcare, and protecting the environment. Since October 7, he has been a leading voice in advocating for the defeat of Hamas and calling for the return of hostages. JDCA endorsed Rep. Gottheimer in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Nellie Pou is a five-term State Senator, first elected in 2011 after 14 years in the State Assembly. She became Senate Majority Caucus Chair in 2022 and served as the President of the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators. In the state legislature, she focused on human rights issues, including combating human trafficking, supporting undocumented students, and reforming the juvenile justice system. She has also championed healthcare access, affordable housing, and employment opportunities. Pou has a strong history of standing with Israel and with the Jewish community. If elected, Pou would be the first Latina congresswoman in New Jersey history. She was elected Democratic nominee for the district after Rep. Bill Pascrell passed away in August.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill was first elected in 2018. Prior to her election, she served in the U.S. Navy, as a federal prosecutor, and as a Russian policy officer working on the implementation of our nuclear treaty obligations. She is strong on many of JDCA’s priorities, particularly on healthcare and climate change. Her priorities include lowering the cost of living for New Jersey families, protecting our national security, and honoring and defending our military veterans and families. In Congress, she has cosponsored numerous pieces of pro-Israel legislation, including bills to support normalization with Arab countries and condemning BDS. JDCA endorsed Rep. Sherrill in 2018, 2020, and 2022. 

The son of an immigrant lineman and a factory worker, Martin Heinrich is a natural problem solver committed to helping others. Martin is working to build a safer and more prosperous New Mexico. Martin Heinrich was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Prior, Heinrich served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has professional experience in energy technology and wildlife services. He is an adamant supporter of the Affordable Care Act, gun control, and lower taxes on the middle class. He championed the DREAM Act and introduced legislation to grant Puerto Rico statehood. He is also a key advocate for clean energy and conservation, as well as a strong education pipeline into STEM careers.

Representative Teresa Leger Fernandez has been serving her community as a member of the House of Representatives since 2021. Prior to entering elected office, Rep. Fernandez worked in the Department of Housing and Urban Development and advocated for bolstered access to health clinics and affordable housing. In Congress, she has focused on investing in clean energy, upgrading our nation’s infrastructure, environmental conservation, and improving educational outcomes for children in New Mexico. When re-elected, Rep. Fernandez will build on this work and continue to push for progress and development in New Mexico and across the country. We are proud to endorse her for re-election.

Before becoming a member of Congress in 2022, Rep. Vasquez served his community as a member of the Las Cruces City Council since 2017. Prior to entering elected office, he worked in public lands conservation as well as serving as a policy advocate for child welfare. On the City Council, Councilmember Vasquez has secured millions of dollars in investments for parks and infrastructure, as well as crafted a development plan that lifted families in the region out of poverty. In Congress, he will focus on expanding voting rights, supporting unions, and investing in clean energy. Councilmember Vasquez has been a strong voice for Democratic values in Las Cruces and we are proud to endorse him.

John Avlon is a native New Yorker and grandson of immigrants. An author and presidential historian, Avlon has appeared on CNN, Real Time with Bill Maher, and the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Early in his career, he worked as a speechwriter for then-NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, and he helped launch No Labels, though he is no longer affiliated. He has called out extremism and polarization, advocating for finding common ground and unifying leadership. Avlon’s priorities include the right to choose, public safety, state and local tax deductions, expanding the child tax credit, and strengthening our democracy. 

Kirsten grew up in upstate New York in a family of women with a tradition of public service. She learned about campaigning and organizing from her political powerhouse grandmother, and her mother’s legal work taught her the importance of advocating for communities who are too often overlooked. Kirsten followed their lead, first working as a lawyer, then finding her own path to public service. Kirsten Gillibrand filled the Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton in 2009. Prior, she served one term in the House where she became the first member of Congress to post a daily report of official meetings and personal financial disclosures.

Laura Gillen served as the Supervisor of the Town of Hempstead from 2017 to 2019 and was the first Democrat elected to this position in over a century. During her tenure, Gillen managed a $500 million dollar budget and led initiatives to modernize Hempstead’s infrastructure, create the town’s first sustainability panel, and pass the town’s first multi-year capital spending plan. Prior to serving as Supervisor, Gillen worked as a lawyer and an adjunct professor of law at Hofstra University and supported various community service roles and projects. Her priorities include protecting abortion rights, enacting gun safety measures like an assault weapons ban, combating climate change, and expanding voting rights. Gillen is a proud supporter of Israel and fully supports Israel’s right to defend itself. She supports aid to Israel, supports the Abraham Accords, and will work in Congress to combat antisemitism.

Representative Dan Goldman has served the NY-10 Congressional District since 2022. Prior, he worked as an attorney and served as lead counsel in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump and for the House Impeachment Managers during the Senate trial of Donald Trump. He worked for 10 years as an Assistant US Attorney in New York, where he prosecuted gun trafficking, corporate fraud cases, Russian organized crime, and violent gangs. In Congress, he has worked to combat gun violence, uphold democracy and freedom, and address border security. Goldman sits on the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. He has joined JDCA for phonebanks and other events to energize our volunteers.

George Latimer is currently a County Executive of Westchester County and has previously served as Rye City Council and a member of the New York State Senate. As the first Democratic Chair of the County Legislature, Latimer cut property taxes for three consecutive years while passing ground-breaking legislation. He has created Westchester’s Human Rights Commission, and championed Democratic policy issues such as environmental protections, marriage equality, the right to choose, and gun control. He cosponsored the New York Health Act to expand health care coverage. As County Executive, he supported social justice reforms on policing and wage policy and advocated for black maternal health care and investments in affordable housing and transit. Shortly before announcing his candidacy for Congress in 2024, Latimer toured Israel, visited a kibbutz targeted on October 7, and met with President Herzog.

Mondaire Jones served in Congress from 2020 until 2022. Prior, he served in the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice under the Obama administration, where he helped to oversee the nomination of Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan, and as a litigator in the Westchester County Attorney’s Office, where he advanced gun control measures. Jones was named the most legislatively active freshman in Congress in 2020. He helped ensure the passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, lowered prescription drug prices, and prioritized fighting climate change. Jones was raised in Section 8 housing by a single mom who struggled with mental illness, which shaped his approach to public policy and his priority on the poor and middle class. JDCA endorsed Jones in 2020 and we endorse him again in 2024 because he continues to advocate for our values.

John Mannion is a former AP Biology and Chemistry teacher in local public schools, but after 30 years of teaching, he was motivated to run for office to fight for better education policy, including funding for schools. He was elected State Senator and helped advocate for Green Chips legislation, which is expected to create 60,000 new high-paying jobs across the region, provide property tax relief, and pass laws that safeguard reproductive freedom. He has also worked to improve public safety. Mannion believes in funding programs to combat hate crimes, including antisemitic incidents, and supports the federal government in its efforts to fight domestic terrorism. Mannion believes that the United States should continue to provide military assistance to Israel, per the terms of the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Israel, including funding for Israel’s missile defense systems.

Representative Jerry Nadler has served in the House of Representatives since 1992. Prior, he served in the New York State Assembly. Rep. Nadler is among the highest-ranking Jews in Congress and leads the unofficial Jewish House Caucus. As such, Rep. Nadler plays a key role in mediating between Jewish members of Congress. In addition, he is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and has played a crucial role in the impeachment proceedings of Donald Trump, tamping down on white supremacism and antisemitism, protecting abortion rights, and implementing criminal justice reform. Rep. Nadler has cosponsored numerous pieces of pro-Israel and anti-BDS legislation. He has been a friend of JDCA since our founding, and we are proud to endorse him.

Josh Riley is an attorney with experience working as a Hill aide under Rep. Maurice Hinchey, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and Sen. Al Franken. He was also a policy analyst in the Department of Labor. In these roles, he has worked to raise the minimum wage, secure worker protections, and strengthen social safety nets. As an attorney, he has fought to ensure access to healthcare for low-income families, restore the Voting Rights Act and overturn Citizens United, support Dreamers, and ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. Riley’s priorities include strengthening the middle class, protecting Medicare and Social Security, and defending democracy. JDCA endorsed Riley in 2022 and endorse him again in 2024 as he works to flip NY-19 from red to blue.

Congressman Pat Ryan is a decorated combat veteran, small business owner, and County Executive. Ryan recently won a special election to complete the rest of Antonio Delgado’s term. He attended West Point and served two tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following his military service, Ryan founded a technology company that employed 150 people and focused on providing job training for veterans. In 2019, he was elected to be Ulster County Executive where he provided financial relief to small businesses and residents, built supportive and affordable housing, and invested in mental health services. In Congress, Ryan is focusing on leveling the playing field. He wants the wealthy to pay their fair share, provide relief to the middle class, raise wages, and protect organized labor. This district will be crucial to holding our House majority. We are excited to endorse him.

Tom Suozzi, trained as an attorney and CPA, and served as the Congressman for New York’s 3rd Congressional District from 2017-2023 before giving up his seat in the 2022 election to run for Governor. Tom also served as Nassau County Executive, and Mayor of Glen Cove. Tom has committed his 30-year public service career to delivering for his constituents. His philosophy of working with anyone who shares his goal of solving problems and delivering for his constituents has guided his career and led to notable accomplishments on issues including protecting the environment, common-sense gun safety, full access to reproductive health care, immigration, caring for our veterans, affordable healthcare, and fiscal responsibility.

Ritchie Torres has represented NY-15 since 2020 where he has been a champion for our values. Prior, Torres became New York City’s youngest elected official and the first openly LGBTQ person elected to office in the Bronx at age 25. He was raised single-handedly by his mother in a public housing project and governs from a place of lived experience. During his seven-year tenure, he passed over forty pieces of legislation, including legislation protecting the City’s affordable housing stock and tackling the city’s opioid epidemic. In Congress, he has introduced legislation to reduce gun violence and uphold democracy. Torres introduced the Antisemitism Inclusion in DEI Act to require companies to combat antisemitism and advocated for federal action to combat antisemitism on college campuses. He supports a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is opposed to conditioning aid to Israel. He is a cosponsor of H. Res. 771, Standing with Israel as it defends itself against the barbaric war launched by Hamas and other terrorists. 

Representative Don Davis was elected to the House in 2022 in a highly competitive election. Prior to serving in Congress, Davis served in the Air Force for 8 years and taught as an assistant professor of Aerospace Studies at Eastern Carolina University. He worked as an educator for over 20 years. He became the youngest Mayor of Snow Hill, NC, at age 29 and worked to rebuild the economy and invest in high-speed internet and road infrastructure. In 2008, he was elected State Senator and continued his work fighting for rural communities, raising teacher pay, and expanding access to quality health care. State Sen. Davis has consistently fought for the people of North Carolina and we are proud to endorse him.

Representative Valerie Foushee has been serving her community since her election to the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012, subsequent appointment to the State Senate in 2013, and in Congress since 2022. Prior to entering the State Legislature, State Sen. Foushee worked in law enforcement and held positions on the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School Board as well as the Orange County Board of Commissioners. As a State Senator, she has worked to increase access to healthcare and end the practice of child marriage. She has also stood up to Republicans when they sought to pass bills targeting immigrants, restricting abortion access, and limiting voting rights. In Congress, she has focused on reforming the criminal justice system, addressing climate change, and combating systemic racism. Rep. Foushee is a proven fighter for Democratic values and we are proud to endorse her.

 Representative Deborah Ross has served in the House since 2021. Prior, She served as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and was the Director and lead attorney of the North Carolina ACLU. As a civil rights lawyer, Ross advocated for fairness and justice, and in private practice, Ross has led the charge to promote a cleaner and greener energy future. She served as both Majority and Minority Whip in the NC House, where she focused on protecting voting rights, increasing access to affordable housing, and raising the minimum wage for state employees. In Congress, her priorities include lowering prescription drug prices, protecting Social Security, investing in infrastructure, and pushing for racial justice. She consistently fights for our values.

Josh Stein, current NC Attorney General, grew up in North Carolina and attended Harvard Law School and Harvard Kennedy School. Prior to serving as Attorney General, he was a state senator where he defended access to reproductive health care, quality public education, and opioid addiction treatment and recovery services. As Attorney General, he took on Duke Energy and other large corporations to protect the environment. Stein’s priorities include building a strong workforce and strengthening the economy, improving North Carolina’s education, addressing housing affordability, and supporting small businesses. His opponent, Mark Robinson, gained national attention after securing the Republican nomination with antisemitic, anti-LGBTQ+, and Christian nationalist comments. If elected, Josh Stein would be the first Jewish Governor of North Carolina.

Senator Sherrod Brown was first elected to the Senate in 2006, defeating a two-term Republican incumbent. Prior to his election, Sen. Brown served for 14 years in the U.S. House. He currently serves as the chair of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Some of his top issues in Congress include labor and worker rights, affordable health care, and supporting farmers. JDCA endorsed him in 2018 and is proud to support his re-election in 2024.

Representative Shontel Brown was first elected to Congress in 2020 to fill Secretary Marcia Fudge’s seat in OH-11. Prior, she served as Cuyahoga County Council Rep. and Chair of the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party. She worked in Ohio to declare racism a public health crisis, expand economic development projects, and improve countywide human services. In Congress, she has already introduced legislation to expand access to school meals and improve veteran health. Her priorities include ending gun violence, improving healthcare, and promoting justice, all of which directly align with our values. Rep. Brown is a proven and dedicated friend to Israel and Jewish Americans, and thanks to our work, the Jewish vote played a crucial role in her election.

Congresswoman Kaptur, a native Toledoan, lives in the same modest house where she grew up. She is a Polish-American with humble, working class roots. Her family operated a small grocery store and her mother later served on the original organizing committee of a trade union at the Champion Spark Plug factory in Toledo. After graduating from St. Ursula Academy, she became the first member of her family to attend college, earning a bachelor's degree in history from the University of Wisconsin (1968) and later a master's degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan. After working for 15 years as a city and regional planner, primarily in Toledo and Chicago, she accepted an appointment as a domestic policy advisor to President Jimmy Carter. During his Administration, she helped maneuver 17 housing and neighborhood revitalization bills through Congress.

Before being elected to Congress in 2022, Greg Landsman served his community as a member of the Cincinnati City Council since 2018. Prior to entering politics, Councilmember Landsman worked as a non-profit leader and a public educator. He is a Jewish candidate and has worked with the Tauber/Rashi Rise Together Initiative, an organization that works in Israeli cities to invest in young people. On the Cincinnati City Council, Councilmember Landsman has secured historic investments in transit and infrastructure in the Cincinnati area and has fought to ensure that Cincinnati children are provided with two years of quality preschool. In Congress, he will build on this important work and advocate for Democratic values. 

Before being elected to Congress in 2022, Rep. Emilia Sykes served her community as a State Representative for Ohio’s 34th District since 2014. In the state House, she has spent four years in Democratic leadership and shown her ability to deliver on legislative goals, even in a Republican-controlled House. She has fought for tax cuts for working families, increased access to high-speed internet, and stood up for victims of domestic abuse. State Rep. Sykes believes in a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and has attended a Trade Development Mission with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland aimed at promoting partnerships between Ohio and Israeli companies. In Congress, She will work to bring down the cost of higher education, increase access to quality healthcare, and deliver results for the people of Northeast Ohio. 

Janelle Bynum is currently serving her fourth term as a State Representative in the Oregon State Legislature. She is also a small business owner and operates her family's four local restaurants. In office, she has spearheaded legislation expanding access to mental health, improving youth voter engagement, and supporting women of color in the workplace. Bynum's campaign priorities include lowering the cost of housing, ending homelessness, and expanding access to healthcare. Bynum understands the importance of supporting our allies, including Israel, and supports robust funding for programs like the Nonprofit Security Grant Program and other programs to keep Jewish communal spaces safe. 

Maxine Dexter is a physician with a background in pulmonary and critical care medicine. She has served as a member of the Oregon House of Representatives since 2020. Her priorities include healthcare access, addressing homelessness and addiction, and protecting our democracy. Dexter is a strong advocate of a two-state solution and supports a negotiated ceasefire, the return of all hostages held by Hamas, and an increase in humanitarian aid to the region. She will work to strengthen hate crime laws, increase tolerance on campuses, and promote policies that protect marginalized communities.

Representative Val Hoyle was first elected to Congress in 2022. Prior, she served as Oregon’s Labor Commissioner, a state representative, and a local community leader. Hoyle has spent her career fighting climate change, raising wages, and passing reforms like paid family leave. Hoyle hopes to continue fighting climate change by moving America to a 100% Clean Electricity standard, increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and passing the PRO Act to strengthen workers’ rights.

Before being elected to Congress in 2022, Rep. Andrea Salinas was an Oregon House Representative and worked as an aide for Senator Harry Reid and other Democratic members of Congress. She also served as the legislative director for the Oregon Environmental Council and worked as a political consultant. Salinas is especially proud of her work in the state legislature, where she helped pass some of the nation’s most progressive reproductive health care policies, raised the minimum wage, lowered prescription drug prices, and fought to reduce carbon emissions – all of which she plans to prioritize in Congress. This seat was newly created when Oregon gained a seat in redistricting. Salinas shares our values, and we are excited to endorse her.

Senator Bob Casey was first elected to the Senate in 2006. Prior to his election, Sen. Casey served as the Pennsylvania Auditor General and the Pennsylvania Treasurer. In 2018, he became the first Pennsylvania Senate Democrat to win a third consecutive term. Sen. Casey is outspoken on issues relating to gun control, climate change, and abortion. JDCA endorsed him in 2018 and is proud to support his re-election in 2024.

Representative Matt Cartwright was first elected to Congress in 2012 and has been an effective legislator throughout his time in the House. Prior, he worked as a lawyer. He has won reelection every year since, despite representing a district that Trump won by 10 points in 2016; Cartwright won the district by 7 points that same year. Rep. Cartwright chose to run for Congress because of his Democratic incumbent’s opposition to the Affordable Care Act, and has spent his tenure fighting to preserve and expand on the landmark legislation and protect patients with pre-existing conditions. He has been a strong supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and is a consistent supporter of reproductive freedom. Additionally, Rep. Cartwright has spearheaded efforts to combat climate change and invest in a clean, renewable energy future. Rep. Cartwright has advocated for a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and supports a two-state solution. Rep. Cartwright has also spearheaded bipartisan efforts to condemn anti-Semitism in America and abroad.

Rep. Madeleine Dean was first elected to Congress in 2018. Prior, she was a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Her campaign prioritizes healthcare, the economy, infrastructure, and women’s issues. She has supported several pieces of pro-Israel legislation, including bills to advance normalization with Arab states and condemning BDS and Israeli annexation and settlements while reaffirming U.S. support for a two-state solution. On October 7, Rep. Dean tweeted her concern for Israel. She called for a bilateral ceasefire with the release of hostages, spoke out against the sexual violence on October 7, and met with families of hostages held by Hamas. JDCA endorsed Rep. Dean in 2020 and 2022.

Rep. Chris Deluzio is a veteran and voting rights attorney from Pittsburgh, PA. He has worked to protect voting rights throughout his career, both as the Policy Director at Pitt Cyber and through his work at the Brennan Center for Justice. In Congress, Deluzio would focus on voting rights and electoral reform, as well as protecting reproductive rights, supporting unions, and increasing access to healthcare. Deluzio has fought tirelessly in support of Democratic values in Pennsylvania and we are proud to endorse him.

Ashley Ehasz is a West Point grad and veteran. She cites the insurrection on January 6 as the key reason she chose to run for office. In her own words, she “knew that politics as usual was no longer an option.” Ehasz joined the U.S. Army following September 11 and went on to serve in Kuwait and Iraq. She strongly supports the Build Back Better Act, efforts to strengthen labor unions, raising the minimum wage, and other priorities to help the middle class and build a stronger economy.

Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon was first elected to Congress in 2018. Prior, she represented neglected children with the Support Center for Child Advocates, served as co-chair of the Philadelphia Bar Association’s Commission on Children at Risk and the Legal Rights of Children Committee, and was a founding board member of the Philadelphia Legal Assistance. A lifelong advocate for children and families, she led the House floor debates on the Equality Act and Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women’s Act. In Congress, she has continuously supported fully funding aid to Israel and has spoken out against antisemitic incidents. JDCA endorsed Rep. Scanlon in 2018. 2020, and 2022.

Rep. Chrissy Houlahan was first elected to Congress in 2018. She is a third-generation military veteran and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. After serving as a captain in the USAFR, she worked as a chemistry teacher and served as president of a nonprofit focused on improving early childhood literacy in underserved communities. Houlahan is the first woman ever elected to the district and the first Democrat since the Civil War. In Congress, she has focused on veterans affairs, family policy, education, and the environment. She has been a steadfast advocate for Israel and the Jewish community and has supported efforts in Congress to advance normalization with Israel and Arab countries. JDCA endorsed Rep. Houlahan in 2018, 2020, and 2022.

Janelle Stelson is a broadcast journalist whose show on Pennsylvania’s biggest station has some of the highest ratings in the region. Protecting abortion rights is one of Stelson’s top priorities, as well as lowering costs for Pennsylvanians and government reforms to fight corruption in Congress. For nearly 40 years, she’s been listening to and advocating for her communities as a TV news anchor and reporter. Now, with our basic rights and democracy under attack, she’s running for Congress to fight for our freedoms and work hard to make life more affordable for middle-class families. Stelson is a proud supporter of Israel and supports Israel’s right to defend itself from Hamas and other threats. She supports aid to Israel, supports the Abraham Accords, and will work to implement the National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

Representative Susan Wild was first elected to Congress in 2018 and was re-elected in 2020. Prior, she worked as a lawyer and as Solicitor of Allentown where she focused on accountability and transparency in local government. In Congress, she has focused on lowering prescription drug prices, which she calls her highest priority. She believes that health care is a human right, and has fought to increase access to care, make prescription drugs more affordable, and increase funding for mental healthcare. Rep. Wild is pro-choice, supports the passage of the Equality Act, and advocates for a revolutionized energy system that prioritizes combatting climate change. She strongly supports Israel and is committed to combatting antisemitism.

Former NFL Linebacker Allred, 36, is a civil rights attorney and North Dallas native. A fourth-generation Texan, Allred was born and raised in Dallas by a single mom, who was a public school teacher and often worked two jobs to make ends meet. After law school, Allred worked alongside then-HUD Secretary Julian Castro as a special assistant and later worked at the Perkins Coie law firm as a counselor and as a litigator on voting rights issues. With JDCA support, Rep. Allred flipped his district red to blue in 2018. This seat was previously held by a member of the Republican leadership for 22 years. Since taking office, Allred has co-sponsored legislation consistent with JDCA’s values and policy priorities, and he has received JDCA’s endorsements for his house races in 2018 and 2020. 

Lizzie Fletcher, elected in 2017 after working at a Houston-based law firm, became the first Democrat in over 50 years and the first woman to represent Texas’ Seventh District. In office, Fletcher has championed initiatives to strengthen health care by lowering costs and expanding coverage. She introduced the Expand Medicaid Now Act, which was signed into law as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Fletcher has also prioritized environmental protections and energy policy, gun violence prevention, civil rights, and reproductive freedom. Fletcher is a strong ally to Israel and the Jewish community.

Sylvester Turner is the former Mayor of Houston, serving from 2016 to 2024 after a 26-year career in the Texas House of Representatives. As Mayor, he focused on recovery and resiliency plans for natural disasters, improved public safety through police force reform and gun control, and revitalized neighborhoods with more affordable housing. His priorities for Congress include protecting women and families, lowering the cost of living, strengthening civil rights protections, and combating gun violence. Turner has a strong track record as Texas State Representative and Mayor of Houston in combating antisemitism and hate-fueled violence. Turner announced his candidacy in August following Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee’s passing.

Michelle Vallejo is a small business owner who owns and operates a flea market with her father. Both of her parents grew up in northern Mexico, and they worked multiple jobs and long hours to support their family. Along with economic development, Vallejo credits her past as motivation in her fight for affordable, high-quality health care. Vallejo’s mother fought MS for many years, traveling across the border to receive care due to the lack of healthcare options in South Texas. Vallejo’s priorities also include creating good–paying jobs and a thriving economy and protecting and expanding social security and Medicare. Vallejo will continue to stand up for our values in Congress.

Tim Kaine has dedicated his life to helping others as a missionary, civil rights lawyer, and public servant. Tim Kaine was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Prior to his election, Kaine served as the Governor of Virginia, civil rights lawyer, and teacher. In 2016, Kaine was the Democratic nominee for Vice President and served as Chairman of the DNC from 2009-2011 where he focused on securing support for the passage of the Affordable Care Act. His top priorities include boosting job opportunities, expanding access to affordable healthcare, and protecting LGBTQ+ rights.

Sen. Subramanyam was elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 2018. Prior, he worked as a policy aide on Capitol Hill, where he worked to expand healthcare access, advance the DREAM Act, and increase job opportunities for veterans.He also served as a technology policy advisor to President Obama. In the General Assembly, he passed legislation to decrease drug prices and has protected consumers from being overcharged on energy bills. His priorities include ending gun violence, protecting our democracy, and safeguarding reproductive freedom. 

Missy Cotter Smasal is a Navy veteran and former small business owner. She now runs a nonprofit organization that honors service women and serves as the Virginia Citizen representative on the Chesapeake Bay Commission, a bipartisan commission focused on Bay restoration. As an active volunteer in the Virginia Beach community, she has led a successful charge for safer public schools, producing a plan to implement technology that advances school safety. She also advocated for the city’s ERA resolution and organized Clean the Bay Day events. Her priorities include supporting military families and veterans, protecting the right to choose, and revitalizing the economy. 

Eugene Vindman was born in Soviet Ukraine during the height of the Cold War. His family fled when he was young and arrived in New York as refugees in 1979. Eugene and his brothers attended public schools in Brooklyn, and after graduating, Eugene attended SUNY Binghamton and enrolled in ROTC at Cornell. He was commissioned as an infantry officer and spent 25 years in the Army. In 2016, he was assigned to the Pentagon and later joined the NSC. Eugene and his brother, also in the NSC, were the whistleblowers who reported Trump’s call with the President of Ukraine, which launched Trump’s first impeachment. Eugene’s priorities include reproductive freedom, safe and high-quality public education, a strong middle class, and voting rights. As a Jewish American, Vindman is committed to ensuring that law enforcement agencies have the tools to combat the threat of white nationalism and strengthen hate crime laws. Vindman believes a two-state solution is the only path forward to achieve peace and that we must work with regional partners, as well as Israeli and Palestinian leadership, to develop a multi-step plan to protect the safety of the Israeli people and ensure a successful two-state solution. Since October 7, Vindman has advocated for the national security supplemental to secure additional funding for Israel and criticized Republicans for delaying its passage.

As a respected leader in both public service and the private sector, Maria has always embraced the values she learned growing up in a strong working-class family. Maria Cantwell was first elected to the Senate in 2000. Prior, Cantwell served in the Washington State House of Representatives from 1987 to 1993. As a Pell Grant recipient, she prioritizes issues affecting the working class, such as a $15 minimum wage, lower taxes for the middle class, and protections against large corporations. She is pro-choice and supports more affordable, accessible and better educational opportunities.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is a small business owner running for re-election in Washington’s 3rd Congressional District. As the owner of a local auto repair shop, Perez has had to grapple with the pressing issues of inflation and the high cost of living. Because of this, she is dedicated to clearing red tape for small businesses and raising wages for working Americans. Additionally, Perez is committed to making childcare affordable to remove barriers for people who would like to join the workforce but are unable to find or pay for childcare. In Congress, Perez will also fight for key Democratic priorities like reproductive freedom and reducing the cost of healthcare. She will be a voice for Washingtonians and Democratic values in Congress.

Emily Randall was born and raised in a union household in the Kitsap Peninsula. She has focused her career on expanding access to affordable health care, including at Planned Parenthood. After Trump was elected in 2016, she decided to run for office and flipped a Republican state senate seat to help Democrats win control of state government. In the Washington Senate, she led the passage of landmark legislation to protect abortion access, expand Medicaid, and improve apprenticeship programs. She is running for Congress to defend democracy and fight for our personal freedoms.

Representative Kim Schrier was first elected to Congress in 2018. Before her election, Rep. Schrier worked as a pediatrician. Drawing from both personal experience and professional expertise, Rep. Schrier’s top priority is health care; she entered politics because her representative worked to repeal the Affordable Care Act. She has cosponsored numerous pieces of pro-Israel legislation, including the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021, which promotes normalization agreements between Israel and Arab states, as well as legislation condemning BDS. Rep. Schrier is a proud Jewish Dem and was endorsed by JDCA in 2020.

Senator Tammy Baldwin was first elected to the Senate in 2012. Prior to her election, Baldwin served for three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly and seven in the U.S. House. She is the first openly gay woman to serve in the House and the Senate, and the first woman from Wisconsin to serve in both chambers. She has consistently voted to expand healthcare access and various gun control measures. Baldwin is one of the leading Democratic voices in the Senate on abortion rights and is the lead sponsor of the Women’s Health Protection Act. JDCA endorsed her in 2018 and is proud to support her re-election in 2024.

As a small business owner and nonprofit leader, Rebecca Cooke has focused her career on building community and serving others. Born and raised on an Eau Claire dairy farm and appointed by Governor Tony Evers to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Rebecca knows the economic and social challenges facing the small towns and rural communities for which she’s fiercely advocated for, from the kitchen table to the board room. Cooke is focused on rural issues, including the Farm Bill, as well as health care and abortion access.