Democrats鈥� sweeping victories in Tuesday鈥檚 midterm elections prompted a range of reactions from 91传媒 communal leaders, with some emphasizing the importance of combating antisemitism and protecting 91传媒 safety, while others called for political engagement and cooperation across party lines.
The results, which gave Democrats control of both chambers of Congress, also raised questions about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship and the direction of the Democratic Party.
Vice President JD Vance attributed the Republican Party鈥檚 losses in part to voter dissatisfaction with the war in Iran and the United States鈥� relationship with Israel. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday morning, Vance said Republicans needed to persuade voters who had abandoned the party by, among other things, ending the war in Iran and changing the country鈥檚 relationship with Israel.
Reacting to the results, 91传媒 Council for Public Affairs CEO Amy Spitalnick welcomed the opportunity for the incoming Congress to advance 91传媒 safety and strengthen American democracy, while acknowledging that the campaign season had been particularly difficult for American Jews.
鈥�91传媒 safety and democracy are not competing priorities; rather, they are one and the same,鈥� Spitalnick said in a Nov. 4 statement.
American 91传媒 Committee CEO Ted Deutch also addressed the election results, expressing concern about victories by candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, which has taken antizionist positions that the organization and others have criticized as antisemitic.
鈥淏ut those voices must not define the new majorities or the direction of our country,鈥� Deutch said. 鈥淭he leaders of the House and Senate have a tremendous responsibility to set the right course, and elected officials across the country must be willing to stand up for the 91传媒 community, reject antisemitism and extremism, and help shape a country in which American Jews and all Americans can thrive. AJC will engage tirelessly in pursuit of that vision.鈥�
In California, Democrat Xavier Becerra, the former U.S. secretary of health and human services, was elected governor, defeating Republican Steve Hilton. Becerra will become the state鈥檚 first directly elected Latino governor.
Ana Teresa Dahan, executive director of Thrive LA, a nonpartisan organization focused on local civic issues and voter education, said she hoped the governor-elect would prioritize policies inclusive of California鈥檚 sizable 91传媒 community.
鈥淭he Democratic coalition is bigger and broader than it has ever been, and that brings opportunity and responsibility in equal measure,鈥� Dahan told The Journal. 鈥淎s governor of California, Becerra will be, in effect, one of the most powerful leaders of the Democratic Party. It will be a challenge to manage the many competing interests within that coalition 鈥� including those affecting the 91传媒 community and others who are looking to him for leadership. We wish him well and look forward to working with him.鈥�
In Los Angeles, 91传媒 communal leaders emphasized the importance of maintaining relationships with elected officials, regardless of political disagreements.
91传媒 Federation Los Angeles CEO Rabbi Noah Farkas addressed the results in a social media post Wednesday morning, underscoring the need for 91传媒 leaders to work with those elected to public office.
鈥淚鈥檒l work with whoever wins 鈥� we have to,鈥� Farkas said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 the nature of being a vulnerable minority in the Diaspora. Even in areas where we disagree, we鈥檒l take a strong stance, we鈥檒l stand up for our values, but real democracy is always about working across disagreements.鈥�
鈥淚鈥檒l work with whoever wins 鈥� we have to 鈥hat鈥檚 the nature of being a vulnerable minority in the Diaspora. Even in areas where we disagree, we鈥檒l take a strong stance, we鈥檒l stand up for our values, but real democracy is always about working across disagreements.鈥� 鈥� Rabbi Noah Farkas
Rabbi David Wolpe, emeritus rabbi of Sinai Temple, offered a related message about political civility in a post on X.
鈥淣o insights that you can鈥檛 see everywhere about the election, but I鈥檒l add this: whatever you think of your opponent, gracious in victory and humble in defeat will serve both you and the country best in the long run,鈥� Wolpe wrote.
IKAR, a progressive Los Angeles congregation whose leadership has been critical of the Trump administration, offered a brief response that welcomed the results in a Wednesday social media post: 鈥淒on鈥檛 ever doubt something better is possible.鈥�
For Rabbi Daniel Mehlman, who leads Temple Ner Tamid in Downey, the recent elections in the United States and Israel offered contrasting political developments but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of hope.
In late October, Mehlman had been following Israel鈥檚 elections, where Arab parties performed better than expected. He said he was disappointed by rhetoric calling for Arab parties to be excluded from whatever governing coalition might emerge.
Turning his attention to the U.S. midterms, Mehlman said he was surprised by the strength of Democratic victories in traditionally Republican states.
Despite the political divisions that often accompany elections, he said, the democratic process should inspire optimism.
鈥淎 vote should be an expression of hope and faith,鈥� Mehlman said. 鈥淲e have to keep the hope, and we have to keep the faith.鈥�
