Full Breakdown
Antisemitism Shapes California Gubernatorial Race
2/28/2026, 6:47:49 AM
Antisemitism as a Central Issue
The 2026 California gubernatorial race is increasingly defined by the issue of antisemitism, overshadowing traditional campaign topics such as housing costs and wildfires. At a recent forum at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, five leading candidates—Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, entrepreneur Tom Steyer, and Republican businessman Steve Hilton—positioned themselves as defenders of Jewish safety. This forum, organized by major Jewish organizations, attracted over 1,000 attendees and highlighted the growing concern over antisemitism in the state, particularly in educational institutions.
Candidates' Responses and Policy Proposals
During the forum, candidates expressed their commitment to enforcing Assembly Bill 715, a law aimed at combating antisemitism in K-12 schools. They denounced the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and affirmed Israel's right to exist, although some voiced criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Villaraigosa emphasized his background in the civil rights movement, stating, “I have stood against racism, antisemitism, homophobia, my entire life.” Hilton characterized antisemitism as part of a broader ideological issue within public institutions, while Mahan focused on the importance of implementing existing laws effectively. Steyer framed the fight against antisemitism as part of a larger struggle for democratic norms.
Context of Antisemitism in California
California is home to approximately 1.2 million Jews, the second-largest Jewish population in the United States. The recent escalation of antisemitism has been linked to heightened tensions following Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This has manifested in various lawsuits against educational institutions, including a suit by the Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights and StandWithUs against the state and several school districts for failing to address antisemitic harassment. Additionally, the Trump administration's Justice Department has filed suit against UCLA for creating a hostile work environment for Jewish employees.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the candidates' unified stance on antisemitism, there are dissenting views regarding their approaches. Critics argue that while the candidates acknowledge the issue, their proposed solutions may lack depth and fail to address the root causes of antisemitism. Some community leaders express concern that the focus on antisemitism could overshadow other pressing issues affecting California's diverse population.
Official Statements and Responses
Tyler Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, stated, “We will not overcome the headwinds that we face as a community if we face them divided or face them alone.” This sentiment reflects the urgency felt by Jewish leaders in California to forge alliances across communities to combat rising antisemitism.
What's Next
As the race progresses, candidates will need to navigate the complexities of public sentiment regarding antisemitism while addressing other critical issues such as affordability and immigration. The upcoming June primary will be pivotal, as the top two candidates, regardless of party affiliation, will advance to the general election, potentially reshaping the political landscape in California.
