Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters stated that a Democratic majority in Congress would lead to the empowerment of antisemitic individuals, posing a "direct threat to the Jewish community." Gruters is scheduled to deliver these remarks at the Republican Jewish Coalition leadership summit in Las Vegas.
In excerpts of his speech obtained by The Post, Gruters asserted that a Democratic majority in November would not merely be a political setback but a significant danger to the Jewish community. He identified "the squad," the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and individuals who "looked at Oct. 7 and stood with Hamas" as the potential leaders in a Democratic-controlled Congress.
Gruters claims that anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism have become prevalent within the Democratic Party, suggesting this trend developed over time with radical extremists gaining influence, which he believes Democratic leaders have allowed. He specifically pointed to the rise of democratic socialists within the party, citing New York City Mayor Eric Adams, whom he criticized for not immediately condemning Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks. Gruters also noted that Adams has reportedly refused to recognize Israel's right to exist and revoked an executive order aimed at combating antisemitism on his first day in office.
The RNC chairman also mentioned U.S. Representatives Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, as well as Abdul El-Sayed, a Democratic candidate for Senate in Michigan, in his address. El-Sayed issued an apology for describing the attempted targeting of a synagogue preschool as a case of "hurt people hurt people."
Gruters characterized these instances not as isolated events but as part of a pattern that the Democratic Party has allegedly embraced. He contended that DSA candidates who have not condemned Hamas are now defeating establishment Democrats across the country, indicating, in his view, that the radical left has taken over the Democratic Party.
In contrast, Gruters highlighted Republican candidates he believes are fighting for the Jewish community, referencing Hudson Valley Rep. Mike Lawler and Long Island congressional nominee Michael LiPetri in New York. Lawler is seeking re-election in a district with a significant Jewish population and faces Democrat Cait Conley. LiPetri is running against Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi in a rematch for a House seat.
Gruters acknowledged that the Republican Party faces historical challenges, as the party in power typically loses seats in midterm elections. He also noted his own past efforts to combat antisemitism as a Florida state senator.