US Jewish Voters Largely Back Democrats Amid Israel, Antisemitism Concerns

American Jewish voters overwhelmingly supported the Democratic Party in the November 3 midterm elections, with 72% voting for Democratic congressional candidates, according to a poll commissioned by the left-leaning Jewish lobby group J Street. This marks a stable trend, mirroring the 72% support for Democrats in the 2024 elections. The survey, which polled 800 Jewish voters between October 28 and November 3 with a 3.5% margin of error, also indicated strong disapproval of former President Donald Trump, with 76% of respondents opposing his time in the White House.

Jim Gerstein, who heads the polling firm GBAO Strategies, stated that Jewish voters remain deeply committed to the Democratic Party, suggesting that controversies surrounding Israel and rising antisemitism in the U.S. do not necessarily translate into a shift towards the Republican Party. "Jewish voters remain deeply attached to the Democratic Party, despite the political controversies that run through every election campaign," Gerstein said.

However, the poll highlighted critical views on Israeli policy among the surveyed voters. A significant 76% favored sanctions against Israeli residents of Judea and Samaria involved in violence. Furthermore, 80% believed Israeli operations in Gaza and Judea and Samaria contribute to fueling antisemitism in the United States. A majority of 66% also felt that financial campaigns by AIPAC, a prominent pro-Israel lobby, against candidates critical of Israel, exacerbate the rise of antisemitism.

The poll results reveal a contrast between consistent electoral loyalty to the Democratic Party and expressed criticisms of Israeli policy. J Street, which commissioned the survey, is known for its support of a two-state solution and its frequent criticism of the Israeli government. The findings, therefore, reflect the specific views of the surveyed voters on sensitive issues and should not be generalized to the entire American Jewish community.