JDCA welcomes a leader, Dems prevail in primary
Friends,
Earlier this week, we were thrilled to announce the appointment of Halie Soifer, a veteran Capitol Hill staffer and foreign policy expert, as the first executive director of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA). You’ll find in this email some reflections from Halie after her first week on the job, our original press release revealing her selection, and summaries of the recent primary elections in New Jersey and California.
A Note from Executive Director Halie Soifer
After nearly two decades working in government, I am thrilled to transition into a political role as Executive Director of JDCA, and I can think of no better time to do so. The stakes have never been higher, as Jewish values are threatened by the policies put forward by the Trump administration and enacted by the Republican-controlled Senate and House. The only way to change the trajectory of our country is to elect more Democrats in November – ideally enough to flip the House and Senate, and to lay the groundwork for a Democratic victory in 2020. That is why I am thrilled to partner with the JDCA board in leading our vital organization at this moment, when Democrats have an extraordinary opportunity to capitalize on a widespread desire for change among the American people. I look forward to working with all of you as JDCA launches a concerted effort to influence the outcome of the midterm elections, and continues to advocate for Jewish values throughout the country and on Capitol Hill.
Executive Director Halie Soifer
Jewish Democratic Council of America Announces Executive Director
Monday, JDCA announced the appointment of Halie Soifer, a seasoned congressional aide, Obama administration alum and foreign policy expert, as its first executive director. Her appointment follows JDCA’s successful spring fly-in last month, during which the JDCA National Board and supporters met with nearly two dozen members of Congress and finalized its first round of endorsements in the midterm elections.
For the past 16 years, Soifer has served in various national security roles supporting Democrats in the U.S. Senate, House and executive branch. Most recently, from January 2017 until May 2018, she served as national security adviser to Sen. Kamala Harris (CA), where she advised the senator on matters related to foreign policy, defense, veterans and cybersecurity.
To read the full statement click here.
Primary Update
This week, New Jersey and California (along with other states) held their primaries, and the results in both states were encouraging, leaving us even more hopeful about the midterm election in November. Democratic candidates in California avoided being shut out of congressional races, an outcome that was feared due to the state’s primary structure, in which the top two candidates advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.
In New Jersey, incumbent Sen. Bob Menendez faced a strong challenge in his primary, but ultimately prevailed. Sen. Menendez will now face Republican challenger Bob Hugin in the November general election. In California, Senator Dianne Feinstein overwhelmingly won her primary to advance to the November general election. She is running with five terms in the Senate under her belt.
In addition, numerous strong Democratic House candidates – incumbents and challengers – emerged from Tuesday’s primaries. JDCA intends to play a meaningful role in the midterm election, identifying key races and candidates for our supporters, and will announce additional endorsements.
For more information on JDCA endorsements click here.
For more information regarding recent 2018 primaries click here.
For more information regarding Jewish Democratic candidates click here.
JDCA Seeks Paid Summer Interns
JDCA is looking for interns to work in its Washington, DC office. Do you know a prospective intern who wants to have a rewarding, meaningful, and impactful summer internship experience furthering Jewish and Democratic values? JDCA is offering a stipend to qualified interns. Have them check out our full listing here.
JDCA in the News
Jewish Insider: Daily Kickoff, June 5, 2018
Politico: Playbook, June 3, 2018
Al Monitor: Jilted Democrats Fume Over Trump-Netanyahu Lovefest
National Journal: Carousel: Harris Aide Takes Over Jewish Democratic Group
Shabbat Shalom!
Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America
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