Republicans Launch New York Ads Aiming to Win Jewish Voters

New York State Republicans unveiled an advertising push on Wednesday that directly solicits Jewish voters to switch their party registration. The ads, slated for online platforms and Jewish newspapers, accuse the Democratic Party of “abandoning Israel and promoting antisemitism.” The effort coincides with a broader Republican strategy to capture suburban House districts with sizable Jewish populations and to mount a long-shot bid for the state governorship.

New York Times

Party leaders note that the Democratic Party’s left flank has moved away from unequivocal support for Israel in the wake of the Gaza war, prompting concerns among traditional pro-Israel constituencies. Republicans view this shift as an opening to erode the historic alignment between Jews and Democrats, especially in a state that hosts the largest Jewish community outside Israel.

New York Times

State GOP chair Edward F. Cox framed the campaign as a response to what he described as “the scourge of antisemitism that has found a home in the Democratic Party and is championed by New York City’s mayor.” In his letter, Cox praised the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) for its role in combating antisemitism and invited Jewish voters to “have a home with us.” The campaign marks the first explicit statewide appeal for Jews to change party affiliation.

New York Times

Mayor Zohran Mamdani, New York City’s first Muslim mayor, previously labeled AIPAC at a rally as part of a group of “monsters” wielding excessive money and power in American politics. No Democratic response to the Republican ads is provided in the available reports, leaving the party’s official stance on the accusations unrecorded.

New York Times

• “We watch with sadness as the Democratic Party, which alleges to stand for marginalized groups, spirals into that ugliest and oldest hatred, antisemitism,” — Edward F. Cox, State Republican Party Chair

New York Times

• “You have a home with us.” — Edward F. Cox, State Republican Party Chair

New York Times

• “the scourge of antisemitism that has found a home in the Democratic Party and is championed by New York City’s mayor.” — Edward F. Cox, State Republican Party Chair

New York Times