Jewish voters in swing districts shift away from Democrats in 2023

A recent poll conducted by the Teach Coalition and Honan Strategy Group surveyed 800 self-identified Jewish voters in Pennsylvania and key New York congressional districts to gauge their political engagement ahead of the November elections. The poll revealed that a significant number of Jewish voters are motivated to participate due to rising antisemitism and the anniversary of the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. In Pennsylvania, 56% of Jewish voters indicated that these events have increased their likelihood to vote, while 66% in New York expressed similar sentiments. The poll also highlighted a concerning trend of Jewish individuals feeling reluctant to openly identify as Jewish, particularly following incidents of targeting on college campuses. This reluctance was overcome when the poll's introduction clarified that it was addressing broader issues faced by the Jewish community. The findings suggest that the Jewish electorate is not only politically engaged but also holds substantial sway in critical swing districts. In the presidential race, Jewish voters in Pennsylvania are nearly evenly split, with 49% supporting Vice President Harris and 42% backing Trump, marking a significant decline in support for Democrats compared to the 2020 election. The data indicates that Jewish voters could play a decisive role in the upcoming elections, especially in New York, where several key House races were decided by narrow margins in the previous midterms. With an estimated 23,000 to 82,000 Jewish voters in these districts, their turnout is expected to be at an all-time high this November. Candidates who underestimate the importance of the Jewish vote may face significant electoral challenges, as this demographic is poised to influence the outcomes in pivotal races.