by Noa Kattler Kupetz
Jewish Women to Watch in Election 2018
With less than a week until Election Day, here’s an update on the Jewish female candidates profiled by Lilith in our Summer and Fall issues.
Alma Hernandez, Democrat • Candidate for Arizona’s 3rd District
There are two spots in the race, and Hernandez is polling in second behind Andres Cano (D). Though there is a Green Party candidate, no Republican candidate is running for the seats, virtually guaranteeing Hernandez’s win.
-If elected, Hernandez will become the youngest member of the Arizona state legislature, and first Mexican American Jewish woman in office.
Lena Epstein, Republican • Primary Candidate for Congress in Michigan’s 11th District
-Last week, Epstein invited a Messianic Jew to introduce Mike Pence at a Republican campaign event. The man began a prayer for the Jewish community of Pittsburgh by blessing the biblical forefathers, and Jesus. This upset Jews across the U.S. In a statement released over Twitter, Epstein defended the choice, stating, “I invited the prayer because we must unite as a nation — while embracing our religious differences — in the aftermath of Pennsylvania.”
-Epstein and her Democrat opponent, Haley Stevens, are currently tied in the polls.
Elissa Slotkin, Democrat • Primary Candidate in Michigan’s 8th Congressional District
-Those endorsing Slotkin include former President Barack Obama and former Vice President Joe Biden.
-Polls are showing Slotkin currently down three from her opponent, Mike Bishop (R).
Jacky Rosen, Democrat • Candidate for Senate from Nevada
–Rosen, a moderate Democrat, is in a tight race against Senator Dean Heller (R).
-Rosen’s win is critical for the possibility of Democrats taking back control of the Senate.
Julia Salazar, Democratic Socialist • Primary Candidate for New York State Senate
–Salazar’s Senate seat is virtually guaranteed — there is no Republican candidate running against her.
-The Salazar campaign’s inconsistent descriptions of her personal history sparked controversy, leading some to question her “Jewishness,” and others to label these investigations as smear campaigns before the September primary, which she won overwhelmingly. In a piece for the Forward, friends of Salazar’s stated, “She is the sort of Jewish leader we are proud to see seeking elected office in these times.”
Kathy Manning, Democrat • Running for Congress from North Carolina’s 13th District
-In a close race against Republican Ted Budd, polls show Manning is currently down by 4.
-Budd owns a gun store and shooting range, while Manning is a chief fundraiser for a performing arts center, and the first woman to head the Jewish Federation of North America.
Shira Goodman, Democrat • Ran in the Primary for Pennsylvania’s 4th Congressional District
–Goodman was defeated by Madeleine Dean (D) in the May primary.
-Goodman is director of CeaseFirePA, a statewide organization taking a stand against gun violence.
Sara Jacobs, Democrat • Ran in Congressional Primary in California’s 49th District
-On her Facebook page, Jacobs posted, “While there are still thousands of votes left to be counted, it’s time to bring our party together and turn our efforts and attention toward making sure Diane Harkey does not go to Congress.” Harkey is an adamant supporter of immigration reform, set on Jerusalem remaining the capital of Israel, and endorsed by pro-life organizations.
Ellen Lipton, Democrat • Primary Candidate in Michigan’s 9th Congressional District
–Lipton lost the August primary to Andy Levin.
-The day before the primary, Lipton tweeted, “Congress is only 20% female. It’s time for more women in Washington.”