The Republican Jewish Coalition endorsed Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) for re-election in New York’s 24th Congressional District.
The congresswoman is “a dedicated advocate for her constituents in Upstate New York who has been a standout ally of Israel in its fight against Hamas and a strong voice against antisemitism,” Norm Coleman and Matt Brooks, national chairman and CEO, respectively, of the RJC, stated on Friday.
The RJC leaders noted that Tenney introduced a bill shortly after Hamas terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7 “to replenish the critical Iron Dome missile-defense program. Soon after, she introduced a bill to cut off funding for UNRWA and other international organizations that partner with groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.”
“There aren’t many Jewish voters in the 24th district,” the RJC leaders said. “Congresswoman Tenney’s leadership is based on her strong convictions, not politics.”
As of March 31, Tenney had outraised her Republican primary opponent, Mario Fratto, by about $1.7 million to about $500,000, per the U.S. Federal Election Commission.
The RJC called Fratto an extremist.
“Fratto’s campaign platform calls for ending U.S. aid to Israel as it fights for survival against Hamas and Iran’s other terrorist proxies,” the RJC leaders stated. “He has attacked Congresswoman Tenney’s support for anti-terrorism legislation and for supporting a Republican speaker of the House. He touts the endorsement of one of the most notorious antisemite-embracing members of Congress.”
Fratto wrote on May 1 that he was honored to receive the endorsement of Rep. Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), who called Fratto “the kind of leader we need in Washington, D.C.” Gosar has been associated with neo-Nazi Nick Fuentes and has other troubling links to antisemitic extremists and websites.
The Republican New York primary is on June 25.