JDCA endorses six candidates in midterms

WASHINGTON — Today, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) – the voice for Jewish Democrats representing socially liberal, pro-Israel values – has announced its second round of endorsements for the 2018 midterm elections.

JDCA is endorsing Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO), Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), as well as Reps. Conor Lamb (D-PA), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) for re-election. JDCA is also endorsing two first-time candidates for the House, Mikie Sherrill for New Jersey District 11 and Tom Malinowski for New Jersey District 7.

Each of these candidates supports the Jewish values that JDCA promotes, and is running in a state or district where the Jewish community will play a meaningful role in determining the outcome of the race. These endorsements come on the heels of JDCA’s first round of endorsements, which included Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL) in his bid for re-election, Rep. Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in her campaign to represent Nevada in the Senate, and two challengers in the House, Sean Casten for Illinois District 6 and Dean Phillips for Minnesota District 3.

“This second round of endorsements demonstrates JDCA’s increased involvement supporting strong Democratic candidates, and our intention to continue to build momentum as we near the midterm election,” said Halie Soifer, JDCA executive director. “As we review races throughout the country, we consider in particular those Democratic candidates share Jewish values, and areas where JDCA’s support could have the greatest impact. In the coming months, JDCA will be announcing other endorsements as we aim to ensure Democratic victories in November, and to hold President Trump and Republicans in Congress accountable for their policies and actions.”

These endorsements are in races considered very competitive in the midterm elections.

McCaskill, a two-term senator who has advocated for women and pro-Israel values, is facing a tough contest against Missouri’s attorney general, Josh Hawley. The Cook Political Report has rated this contest a “Toss Up.”

Brown, a progressive leader in the Senate, is holding a slight edge in his re-election contest in Ohio, with Cook labeling his campaign against Republican Rep. Jim Renacci as “Lean Democrat.”

Meanwhile, Lamb, whom JDCA supported in his close special election in March, will be seeking reelection in a tight race in Pennsylvania District 17. Following redistricting in Pennsylvania, Lamb will be facing incumbent Rep. Keith Rothfus in a competition Cook has marked as a “Toss Up.”

Similarly, Gottheimer, a Clinton administration veteran, is also a freshman Democrat representing a traditionally Republican area in New Jersey District 5. His contest has been labeled as “Likely Democratic” by Cook.

Sherrill, also a New Jerseyan, is competing for an open seat in New Jersey District 11, following her service in the U.S. Navy. Her race is classified by Cook as “Lean Democratic.”

Malinowski, a former Assistant Secretary for Human Rights in the Obama administration, National Security Council staff in the Clinton administration, and human rights advocate, will square off in what Cook has designated as a “Toss Up” against incumbent Rep. Leonard Lance in New Jersey District 7.

“We are thrilled to get behind these candidates at this critical time,” said Ron Klein, JDCA chairman. “In these races, the Jewish vote may be the decisive factor impacting the outcome of the election. We saw the potential impact of the Jewish vote in Conor Lamb’s special election race in Pennsylvania, where the JDCA worked to turn out the district’s 11,000 Jewish voters, and the margin of victory was ultimately 627 votes. The Lamb race is just one early example of how the Jewish community can help bring about victory for Democrats in November,” said Klein.