Press Release

Jewish Dems Applaud Gov. Tim Walz’s Selection as Vice Presidential Nominee

August 6, 2024

“Vice President Harris and Governor Walz align with the vast majority of Jewish voters on every key issue, and we’re confident that overwhelming support from Jewish American voters will make the difference in ensuring their victory in November.” 

– JDCA CEO Halie Soifer

WASHINGTON – Following Vice President Harris’s decision to name Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, Hon. Ron Klein, Board Chair of the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA), Beth Kieffer Leonard, JDCA Board member based in Minnesota, and Halie Soifer, CEO of JDCA and a former advisor to then-Senator Harris, released the following statement:

JDCA Chair Ron Klein said:

“Vice President Harris has made an exceptional choice by selecting Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. We deeply admire Gov. Walz’s impassioned defense of our values, including reproductive rights and defending our democracy, especially as they both are under attack by MAGA Republicans led by Donald Trump. Having been elected at the same time and served in Congress with Tim Walz, I can attest to the fact that Tim. Walz has taken on Republican extremists before and won, and we’re confident that he and Vice President Harris will do so again this November with the strong support of Jewish American voters.” 

JDCA Board Member and Minnesotan Beth Kieffer Leonard said:

“As a Minnesotan, I can attest to the fact that Governor Tim Walz has always stood with the Jewish community. Walz has built strong ties and partnerships with Jewish Americans, and he has fought for our shared values, first as a member of Congress and now as governor. We are confident he will continue to do so as vice president, and are proud of his strong record supporting Israel and combating antisemitism. Governor Walz has stood with the Jewish community on every key issue and supported Israel at every point while in public office.” 

JDCA CEO Halie Soifer said:

“As governor, Walz has been a champion for our Jewish values; under his leadership, Minnesotans benefited from historic legislation that protected abortion rights, expanded gun violence prevention, restored voting rights, combated climate change, and protected American workers. He has stood with Israel, including since the horrific Hamas attack of  October 7, and has been an outspoken advocate in the fight against antisemitism. 

“Over the next 89 days, the Harris-Walz ticket will make the case to the American people about their record of results and vision for the future. For Jewish Americans, the choice in this election could not be more clear. Vice President Harris and Governor Walz align with the vast majority of Jewish voters on every key issue, and we’re confident that overwhelming support from Jewish American voters will make the difference in ensuring their victory in November.”