GOP leadership frames midterm elections as fight against Democratic Socialists at Jewish coalition summit

Speakers at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual convention, held at the Venetian Resort, characterized the approaching midterm elections as a confrontation not merely with the Democratic Party at large, but specifically with its progressive Democratic Socialists of America wing.

“A Democrat majority in November represents more than a political setback for our party and our movement; it poses a direct threat to the Jewish community,” stated Joe Gruters, chairman of the Republican National Committee. “The figures in control would not be moderate Democrats who have at times challenged antisemitism. It would be the Squad. It would be the DSA.”

Ed Gallrein, a farmer and former Navy SEAL who ousted Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie in a Republican primary earlier in May, remarked that “radical socialist sentiment is gaining ground across our nation,” framing November’s elections as a contest between “the Constitution versus the Communist Manifesto.”

Georgia Representative Mike Collins, who is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, alleged that the Jewish senator intends to use November’s election as a launchpad for a 2028 presidential bid as “the DSA candidate.” (Ossoff has consistently denied any interest in pursuing the presidency. Additionally, he is neither a DSA member nor has he received the group’s endorsement.)

Even the WiFi password distributed at the Las Vegas gathering, “DSA=AntiUSA,” signaled the convention’s posture toward the organization.

DSA members and endorsed candidates secure primary wins nationwide

The RJC’s summit follows a series of victories by DSA members and candidates backed by the organization in Democratic primaries across the country, drawing condemnation from Republicans and centrist Democrats who reject core elements of the group’s progressive platform, including its anti-Zionist position.

The number of House members endorsed by a DSA chapter could potentially grow from two to seven, contingent on November’s outcomes, alongside candidates in downballot contests. Despite Democrats holding 212 seats in the House, Republican officials during Sunday and Monday sessions portrayed the Democratic Party as one increasingly yielding influence to the DSA.

China, Russia, and Iran, according to Gallrein, are anticipating that “Democrats controlled by the DSA take the House and the Senate, and that they can exploit and divide America.”

Speakers also criticized additional DSA-aligned politicians, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Michigan Representative Rashida Tlaib, as well as political commentator Hasan Piker, who has organized fundraising for multiple DSA-endorsed candidates.

Florida Representative Randy Fine directed pointed criticism at Muslim politicians within the Democratic Party, stating he was confronting “the elephant in the room.” He joined other speakers in acknowledging that anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments exist across the political spectrum. The distinction, he argued, lies in Republicans “repudiating this evil” through measures such as unseating Kentucky’s anti-Israel congressman Massie, whereas Democrats elevate anti-Israel candidates to office.

Tucker Carlson, the former Fox News commentator who has promoted antisemitic conspiracy theories in recent years, faced rebuke from the RJC and was similarly distanced by the party’s leader, President Donald Trump. Vice President JD Vance, however, has refrained from similar criticism, a position that has troubled many Jewish Republicans.

Vance’s closed-door session draws criticism from Jewish Democrats

With Vance scheduled to address the RJC’s summit on Monday evening, several Jewish Democratic organizations condemned the RJC for providing him a platform, particularly during a session closed to media coverage.

“JD Vance may be speaking behind closed doors, but he should not be permitted to evade questions regarding his attacks on Israel, his reluctance to address antisemitism within the MAGA movement, and his persistent association with Tucker Carlson,” stated Brian Romick, president and CEO of Democratic Majority for Israel, in a released statement.

“What comes next, a live recording with Tucker Carlson on the main stage?” the Jewish Democratic Council of America remarked.

In a statement provided to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, JDCA CEO Halie Soifer commented, “The RJC may opt to emphasize the fewer than ten DSA candidates appearing on November ballots for their own calculated political objectives, but Jewish voters recognize their deflection and falsehoods for what they are, just as they recognize the Republican Party for what it represents: the party of Donald Trump.”

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