Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus Expands West Michigan Footprint, Endorses Hillary Scholten and Jon Hoadley for U.S. Congress
Endorsements in key Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo battleground districts part of Jewish Caucus’ long-term “growth and investment in West Michigan,” arrive amidst rising antisemitism in region, says MDJC chair
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus is proud to endorse Hillary Scholten (D-Grand Rapids) and Jon Hoadley (D-Kalamazoo) for U.S. House in Michigan’s 3rd and 6th Districts. Both Hillary and Jon have distinguished themselves in their careers of service, Hillary as an attorney serving immigrant families and the Obama DOJ, and Jon as a progressive legislator in the state house. Jewish voters in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and across West Michigan could have no greater champions in Congress than Hillary Scholten and Jon Hoadley, who are committed to fighting antisemitism and bigotry, defending Israel’s security and a two-state solution, as well as standing up for our community.
MDJC also announced a “WILD WEST” fundraiser featuring both Scholten and Hoadley, to be held virtually on Monday, September 14th. Interested individuals may sign up at www.mdjc.us/wildwest. Members of the press may inquire at press@mijewishdems.org.
Noah Arbit, founder and chair of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus, stated, “Today’s endorsements in MI-03 and MI-06 showcase MDJC’s priority of increasing investment and growth in Jewish communities outside Metro Detroit - particularly Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor, and Lansing. Aided by Cary Fleischer, MDJC’s long-serving Grand Rapids Regional Chair, and Troy Zukowski, our new Southwest Regional Chair, the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus is primed to mobilize Jewish voters in West Michigan for the Biden-Harris ticket, as well as key congressional and state legislative races in this politically consequential region.”
Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District Hillary Scholten stated, “It is an honor to receive the endorsement of the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus. There is so much on the line in 2020 and as a person of deep faith...I look forward to continuing my work with the Jewish community, including fighting against antisemitism.”
"I'm honored to receive the endorsement from my friends at the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus,” said Jon Hoadley, Democratic nominee for Michigan’s 6th Congressional District. “I've worked closely with MDJC members throughout my time in the legislature, and we will continue to work closely together to address rising antisemitism. I'm thrilled to have MDJC’s support as we work to flip this district.”
The Jewish Caucus’ endorsements in the two toss-up congressional races in West Michigan arrive amidst a pronounced rise of antisemitism in the state - a year after antisemitic vandalism of the synagogues in Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, as well as two weeks after neo-Nazi “Proud Boys” rallied violently in Kalamazoo.
MDJC Grand Rapids Regional Chair Cary Fleischer said, “A year ago this week, we launched the Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus in West Michigan at an energizing event in downtown Grand Rapids headlined by State Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), and our membership growth in the area has steadily increased. MDJC’s unprecedented organizing of Jewish communities in West Michigan on behalf of 2020 Democratic candidates, including Hillary and Jon, reflects the increasing battleground status of this area.”
MDJC Southwest Regional Chair Troy Zukowski said, “The stakes of this election for our Jewish community here in Southwest Michigan could not be clearer; as we saw far-right neo-Nazi “Proud Boys” marching violently in downtown Kalamazoo just two weeks ago. MDJC’s support of Jon and Hillary comes at a vital time for our community, which needs strong, forward-thinking leaders in the halls of Congress.”
About: The Michigan Democratic Jewish Caucus (MDJC) is the voice of Jewish Michiganders in the Democratic Party, dedicated to combating antisemitism and electing Democrats who share our values. In addition to supporting candidates through its state and federal PACs, MDJC works to strengthen the link between Michigan’s Jews and Democrats through strong communications and public forums, increase Jewish representation in Michigan politics, and advocate for progressive policies benefiting all Michiganders.
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CONTACT: Noah Arbit, Chair
(248) 325-8560