Antisemitism Takes Center Stage in California Gubernatorial Race
The political landscape for California’s 2026 gubernatorial election is shifting in unexpected ways, with a prominent focus on antisemitism emerging amidst discussions traditionally dominated by housing costs and environmental challenges.
A New Flashpoint in Campaign Rhetoric
At a recent gubernatorial forum held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, five leading candidates showcased their commitment to Jewish safety as a primary electoral concern. The attendees included Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell, former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, entrepreneur Tom Steyer, and Republican businessman Steve Hilton. Notably, three other invited candidates—former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and former Rep. Katie Porter—did not attend the event.
Organized by a coalition of prominent Jewish organizations, including the Jewish Federation Los Angeles, the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, and Jewish California, the forum attracted over 1,000 participants and was livestreamed for broader engagement. With Governor Gavin Newsom exit set due to term limits, the race to replace him is being closely observed nationwide.
Antisemitism: A Growing Concern
California’s Jewish population, estimated at 1.2 million, is the second largest in the United States, trailing only New York. Recently, California’s K-12 schools and universities have become flashpoints in the national dialogue surrounding Israel and rising antisemitism. This focus intensified following the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023.
Reflecting this growing tension, the forum coincided with multiple lawsuits against California educational institutions related to antisemitic harassment. The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights and StandWithUs recently filed a lawsuit against California’s Department of Education and several school districts, claiming systemic antisemitic harassment has been allowed to “fester” in K-12 environments. The suit requests judicial oversight and consequences for districts failing to enforce nondiscrimination policies.
Candidate Perspectives on Jewish Safety
Throughout the forum, candidates articulated their strategies for combating antisemitism. They unanimously pledged support for Assembly Bill 715, which targets antisemitism in schools, denounced the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and verbally reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist, with some expressing critique of Israeli leadership.
Eric Swalwell emphasized the protection of Jewish Californians, stating, “Antisemitism is on the rise, and it especially includes the Jewish community.” Portraying Los Angeles as a thriving center of Jewish life, he highlighted the fear shared by community members.
Antonio Villaraigosa drew from personal experiences, recounting his upbringing within a diverse neighborhood, underscoring his lifelong commitment to civil rights, including fighting against antisemitism.
Steve Hilton, the lone Republican candidate, framed antisemitism as symptomatic of a broader ideological issue within California’s educational and public institutions. He called for a systematic approach to eradicate these harmful ideologies.
Matt Mahan focused on the practicalities of enforcing existing laws, stressing the importance of efficient implementation of new guidelines aimed at fighting antisemitism.
Tom Steyer articulated a broader vision, linking the fight against antisemitism to a larger struggle for democracy and inclusion. He called for coalition-building among diverse communities to foster a positive narrative for California’s future.
Unified Concerns in a Divided Landscape
Despite differences on other pressing issues such as immigration and technology, candidates displayed an unexpected unity concerning Jewish safety and antisemitism. For Jewish community leaders, this alignment highlights both the political influence of Jewish voters and their rising concerns for safety and representation.
With antisemitism accounting for a significant percentage of reported hate crimes in California, many Jewish families view the topic as an urgent electoral issue. Tyler Gregory, CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council Bay Area, stressed the importance of unity among diverse communities in addressing these challenges.
The growing prominence of antisemitism in campaign discussions represents a signal to both politicians and communities. As California gears up for a highly anticipated gubernatorial race, the focal point on antisemitism may redefine the political strategies and narratives leading up to the election.
For further reading on antisemitism and its impact, consider visiting sources such as the Anti-Defamation League and the Pew Research Center for comprehensive studies and reports.
