The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) is touting what it calls a “historic shift” in Jewish support for President-elect Donald Trump during the 2024 election. The group claims Trump’s vote share among Jewish Americans is the highest for any Republican presidential candidate since George H.W. Bush in 1988.
This claim is backed by a voter analysis conducted by Fox News in partnership with the Associated Press. The data revealed that 32% of Jewish voters supported Trump, compared to 66% who backed Vice President Kamala Harris. The findings align closely with a Pew Research Center poll that showed Harris holding 65% of Jewish support.
While Harris still won a decisive majority of Jewish voters, Trump’s gains mark a significant improvement for the GOP. In 2020, Trump garnered 30% of the Jewish vote, according to an Associated Press survey. His performance in 2016 was even lower, with only 24% support as reported by New York Times exit polls.
“It’s the highest number for any Republican presidential candidate since 1988,” said Jon Lerner, a pollster working with the RJC. “It’s fully one-third higher than Trump’s own showing in his first campaign in 2016.”
RJC CEO Matt Brooks expressed excitement over the results. “We’re thrilled not just with the outcome of President Trump’s reelection but also because of the historic shift in the Jewish vote,” he said. “This is a long-term project that’s starting to bear fruit.”
The group attributed the shift to Trump’s strong pro-Israel policies and his administration’s efforts to combat antisemitism. They pointed to landmark moves such as the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the Abraham Accords, and the executive order addressing antisemitism on college campuses.
“These policies resonate deeply with Jewish voters who prioritize Israel’s security and U.S.-Israel relations,” Brooks said. “Trump has proven time and again that he is a steadfast friend of the Jewish people.”
Trump’s campaign also emphasized domestic issues important to Jewish voters, including religious freedom and education reform. His support for school choice and his opposition to antisemitic rhetoric in public discourse may have contributed to his improved standing.
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders have downplayed the significance of Trump’s gains. They argue that the majority of Jewish voters still align with the Democratic Party on issues like healthcare, gun control, and reproductive rights.
“Jewish Americans overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris because she reflects their values,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “One election won’t change that longstanding relationship.”
Still, some analysts see the results as part of a broader trend of Jewish voters gradually warming to the GOP. Historically, Jewish Americans have been one of the most reliable Democratic-leaning demographics, but recent elections suggest that alignment may be shifting slightly.
Trump’s gains come amid heightened outreach efforts by the RJC and other conservative Jewish groups. Their messaging has focused on portraying the Democratic Party as increasingly hostile to Israel and soft on combating antisemitism.
“There’s a growing concern among Jewish voters about the far-left elements within the Democratic Party,” Lerner noted. “Trump has been able to tap into those concerns effectively.”
The RJC has vowed to build on the momentum from the 2024 election in future cycles. They believe continued outreach and Trump’s policies will help further narrow the gap in Jewish support between the two major parties.
Looking ahead, the 2024 results could influence political strategies on both sides. Republicans may double down on appealing to Jewish voters, while Democrats might reexamine their approach to solidify their traditional base.
For now, the RJC is celebrating what they see as a clear sign of progress. “This election was a turning point,” Brooks said. “We’re optimistic about the future of the Republican Party’s relationship with Jewish Americans.”
As Trump prepares to take office, his administration’s policies could further cement this shift. Whether the trend continues in future elections remains to be seen, but for now, the RJC is savoring a historic victory.
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