Jewish Dems Endorse Terry McAuliffe for Governor of Virginia
WASHINGTON — Today, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) announced its endorsement of Terry McAuliffe for Governor of Virginia. This endorsement comes on the heels of JDCA PAC’s successful mobilization of Jewish Dems in the OH-11 Democratic primary and the California recall election. JDCA believes that, with a growing Jewish population in the Commonwealth, the Jewish vote will make a critical difference in determining the outcome of this election.
Over the next four weeks, JDCA PAC will target nearly 130,000 Jewish voters with a five-figure ad campaign and will mobilize volunteers to contact voters through grassroots advocacy and phone and text banking to get out the Jewish vote for Terry McAuliffe.
Halie Soifer, JDCA CEO said: “We’re thrilled to endorse Terry McAuliffe to once again serve as Governor of Virginia. Terry is a longstanding friend and ally of the Jewish community and proven leader of Virginia. We know the Jewish vote will shape the outcome of this election in support of Terry, and Jewish Democrats are ready to make that difference in November.
“The Republican candidate for Governor, Glenn Youngkin, has been endorsed by Donald Trump and would bring Trump’s disastrous and dangerous policies to Virginia. Youngkin is downplaying the pandemic and encouraging Virginians not to get vaccinated. Just a few months ago, JDCA condemned Glenn Youngkin for his support of a Republican House of Delegates candidate who compared right-leaning teachers to Jewish people in 1930s Nazi Germany.
“Terry has been unwavering in his opposition to hatred and antisemitism. When neo-Nazis marched in Charlottesville four years ago, Terry, one again, declared that there was no place for hatred in the Commonwealth. Virginia deserves better than right-wing extremists, including those aligned with Glenn Youngkin.”
Terry McAuliffe said: “As Virginia’s next governor, I’ll tackle the tough issues facing Virginia’s families so we can defeat COVID-19, keep our economy strong, and keep Virginia on track. I am proud to have the endorsement of Jewish Dems and look forward to working hand-in-hand with them to deliver these victories to communities across the Commonwealth. Together, we’ll keep kids safely in schools, make health care more affordable, create good paying jobs, and combat antisemitism, extremism and hatred in all its forms.”
Ron Klein, JDCA board chair and former member of Congress said: “Terry McAuliffe has a strong history of supporting the Jewish community, including by speaking out against antisemitism in the aftermath of the neo-Nazi attack on Charlottesville, Virginia and he strongly supports the U.S. relationship with Israel. His commitment to ensuring the rights of voters, combating antisemitism and extremism, support for sensible gun violence prevention measures, and efforts to make health care more affordable make him the candidate who best represents our voice and our values. We are confident that he is the right leader at the right time for all Virginians.”
JDCA VA Chapter Lead, Cookie Hymer Blitz said: “Time and time again, Terry McAuliffe has proven to be a strong friend of Virginia’s Jewish community. As Governor he was a member of the ‘Governor’s Against Antisemitism’ initiative and was a strong supporter of the Virginia-Israel partnership. Terry is fighting for issues Jewish voters care most about: investing in education, making health care more affordable, fighting climate change and creating good clean energy jobs, and combating COVID-19. That is why Jewish Virginians will play a critical role in rejecting Glenn Youngkin’s extremism and send Terry back to Richmond.”