Republican Presidential Contenders to Court Donors and Affirm Israel Support at Significant Jewish GOP Assembly

Contenders for the Republican presidential nomination will vie for financial backers while declaring unwavering support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas. These candidates will make their case this weekend at the annual assembly of the influential Republican Jewish Coalition.

For years, the Coalition’s gathering in Las Vegas has served as an essential waypoint for Republican aspirants. It offers them an opportunity to appeal to Jewish voters while also aligning themselves firmly with Israel. This is a crucial issue for the party’s base, particularly among Christian evangelicals.

This year’s assembly begins on Friday amid heightened tensions, following an October 7 attack from Hamas on Israel. This recent conflict has not only escalated regional tensions but has also sparked debates within the United States, especially on college campuses. Subsequent to this attack, the Republican National Committee disclosed that the Republican Jewish Coalition would co-sponsor the third GOP presidential debate, set for November 8 in Miami.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has become a focal point on the campaign trail for Republican candidates. The response they receive at Saturday’s gathering could serve as an indicator of their standing in a race that has thus far been overwhelmingly influenced by former President Donald Trump.

Trump has enjoyed consistent approval from Coalition members in past years, often symbolized by the distribution of red yarmulkes adorned with his name. Longtime supporter and billionaire Sheldon Adelson, who passed away in 2021, had been instrumental in swaying Coalition members towards Trump. Adelson’s widow, Miriam, continues to be a key donor but has pledged neutrality in the primaries.

“Candidates at this stage are well-known commodities, yet some attendees are still evaluating who to support,” notes Matt Brooks, the Coalition’s CEO.

While Trump claims unmatched support for Israel, including relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, he may face scrutiny due to his actions post-2020 election. The Coalition condemned the January 6, 2021 Capitol insurrection and praised Joe Biden’s election win, a victory that Trump has yet to acknowledge.

Despite controversies, Trump’s support within the party seems undiminished, and he maintains a sizable lead in primary polls. Other notable contenders, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, have both emphasized their support for Israel in their campaigns.

The list of candidates also includes South Carolina Senator Tim Scott, former Vice President Mike Pence, ex-New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum. New Speaker of the House Mike Johnson will also speak at the event, alongside other prominent Republicans like Steve Scalise, Lindsey Graham, Rick Scott, and John Thune.

For most of the GOP contenders, this will be their first campaign foray into Nevada, a state that traditionally receives minimal attention due to its perceived limited electoral significance. Three candidates, Pence, Haley, and Scott, have opted to bypass Nevada’s caucus, which is believed to favor Trump, to participate in the state-run primary.

Florida Governor DeSantis is also scheduled to speak to a Nevada GOP group on Saturday, separate from the Coalition event. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to address his supporters at a country music venue on Saturday afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Republican Jewish Coalition 2024 GOP Candidates

More about Republican Jewish Coalition 2024 GOP Candidates

• Republican Jewish Coalition Official Website
• 2024 GOP Presidential Candidates
• Recent Israel-Hamas Conflict Overview
• Republican National Committee Announcements
• Overview of U.S. Embassy Move to Jerusalem
• January 6, 2021 Capitol Insurrection
• GOP Primary Polls
• Nevada Electoral Significance in Republican Primaries