I’m a father. I live in Teaneck. I love this communit y— and I worry about where things are headed. And yes — I’m a proud, longtime Republican.
But right now, I’m switching my party affiliation so I can vote in the Democratic primary this June.
Not because I’ve changed my values. Not even close. I’m doing this because I care about my kids and my community. And because I know how much this next election matters for the Jewish community in New Jersey.
The truth is, the Republican primary this year doesn’t matter as much in New Jersey — there’s no race for State Assembly, and the likely Republican nominee for governor is basically locked in. But the Democratic primary? That one matters. And some of the candidates running have made statements — or aligned themselves with causes — that are hostile to the Jewish community.
If we don’t show up now, we could end up in November with someone who doesn’t share our values as a leading contender for governor. Unfortunately, more than one person on the Democratic primary ballot fits that description.
You don’t have to become a Democrat forever. I’m not. You don’t have to vote Democrat in November. But if we want a real say in who ends up on that November ballot, this is the window.
Just look at what happened in Westchester. Jewish voters — including plenty of Republicans — switched affiliation temporarily and helped take down Congressman Jamaal Bowman, who had a long record of antisemitic rhetoric and anti-Israel votes in Congress. That wasn’t magic. That’s people doing the smart, responsible thing when it counted. It’s also being done in New York City to help get a good mayor elected. We in New Jersey can do the same — put our community’s needs ahead of party lines.
So that’s what I’m doing now. Not because I’ve sold out. Because I want to protect what matters most and my allegiance is to the Jewish community, not a political party. If yours is too, take two minutes and switch.
Here’s how:
Go to voter.svrs.nj.gov/register and when you get to the voter registration form, choose “Political Party Affiliation.” The deadline is April 16, so don’t wait on this.
Don’t let someone else choose the Democratic nominee. Let’s be smart. Let’s show up. Let’s protect our people.
