Full Breakdown
Florida’s 25th District Congressional Forum Highlights Israel, Antisemitism, and Local Policy Priorities
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event: Candidate Forum on Israel, Antisemitism, and Policy Priorities
Democratic U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz and Republican former Boca Raton mayor Scott Singer faced a largely Jewish audience at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton on a Tuesday evening. The hour-long forum centered on U.S.–Israel relations, antisemitism, and economic concerns such as homeowners-insurance costs, housing affordability, and border security. Both candidates wore kippahs and emphasized strong support for Israel, while diverging on how the Democratic Party’s left flank influences U.S. policy toward the region.
Background & Context
Florida’s newly redrawn 25th Congressional District now stretches from Palm Beach County through Broward County into Miami-Dade County. Under the new map the district would have favored former President Donald Trump by nine percentage points in the 2024 presidential election, yet it backed Joe Biden in 2020. The district’s sizable Jewish electorate makes Israel and antisemitism especially salient issues, drawing national attention to the race.
Official Statements & Responses
He also noted bipartisan cooperation on foreign-policy matters, including condemnation of accusations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza and opposition to conditioning U.S. military aid.
Singer cited endorsements from the Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) and President Trump, criticized Moskowitz’s vote for the March 2026 war-powers resolution, and argued that the threat from Iran must be “thoroughly dealt with.” He also linked Moskowitz to the Democratic Party’s left flank by referencing votes that kept Rep. Ilhan Omar on the Foreign Affairs Committee. Singer framed his mayoral record—tax cuts, reduced crime, and job creation—as evidence of effective local leadership.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local attendees offered mixed reactions. Nadine Patz emphasized a desire for balanced information, stating, “I love both sides of any conversation, so knowledge is power.” The Kone siblings, both Jewish Republicans, voiced skepticism about Moskowitz’s record and highlighted Singer’s more consistent alignment with their view of Israel.
Data & Statistics
- The district’s new boundaries would have given former President Trump a nine-point advantage in the 2024 presidential vote, yet the district supported President Biden in 2020.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m America first, but Israel is extremely important to me. And on Israel, Jared Moskowitz just doesn’t add up,” — Edward Kone
- “He has a good track record with Israel, and as an American Jew I appreciate that,” — Peter Davidson
- “I think that’s an ill-advised term,” — Scott Singer, boca raton mayor
- “It’s great that he says these things, but he’s also voted to empower Ilhan Omar twice,” — Scott Singer, boca raton mayor
- “I wear that proudly, I will continue to do so, and I look forward to being re-elected and serve as your congressman for District 25,” — Rep. Jared Moskowitz
- “I’m proud of what I achieved as mayor, cutting crime, making a safer, more vibrant city with high-paying jobs,” — Scott Singer, boca raton mayor
What’s Next
The candidates are scheduled to meet again next Tuesday at the Miami Beach Jewish Community Center for a second forum, providing voters another opportunity to compare positions before the midterm election.