As we move from the High Holidays into the joy of Sukkot and Simchat Torah, we reflect on what our work at the Jewish Electorate Institute can teach us. Yet, in these tumultuous times, it's often difficult to separate the joy of the season from the uncertainty of the political climate and the troubling rise in antisemitism. Clearly, our latest poll definitely sends some mixed signals. It provides important context for understanding the results that are both sobering and hopeful. According to a new Newsweek article, based on this JEI poll,
“A smoke alarm does not predict where the fire will spread, but it does tell you which room the party has decided it can no longer afford to leave unmonitored.”
Listening to the American Jewish Community
When JEI began nearly nine years ago, we set out to listen to what matters to the American Jewish community. Through the years of conversations, research, studies, and polling, one thing has become increasingly clear: The Jewish community must not be ignored. JEI’s activities provide a window into what Jewish Americans are thinking and feeling at any particular moment. And when we compare polls conducted at different points in time, the emerging trends are even more revealing. Where views are changing, where concerns are deepening, and where they remain remarkably consistent are findings that are significant. In our latest poll, while some of the results confirm what we have seen and heard before, others highlight surprises and concerns that warrant our attention. If they are not yet “red flags” today, they very well could become them if the alarms are taken for granted or dismissed outright. Consistent, however, is that people want to be heard and understood. It is critically important, especially during tumultuous times, when antisemitism, security, and democratic socialists are of such significant concern, that the voices of the Jewish community must be heard and understood by those making decisions that affect their families, their communities, and their future. JEI serves that purpose.
The Voice of Jewish Americans
There are 7.5 million Jewish Americans, of whom 5.8 million are adults representing 2.4% of the entire population. A mere 2% of American voters are Jewish. Yet, our voices matter in a democracy. A relatively small community can play important roles in shaping national conversation. Election results can be impacted depending on where in America there are larger Jewish communities. Paying attention to those areas of the country and congressional districts where Jewish communities are located can make a difference in election results. JEI’s 2024 study supported a first-of-its-kind comprehensive national study mapping the geographic distribution of Jewish Americans across every congressional district in the country. Thirteen congressional districts were identified with at least 100,000 Jewish residents. Our substantially higher turnout rate than Americans overall makes this important for candidates and elected officials. They cannot discount what appears to be at the forefront of the minds of the majority of Jewish community members on both sides of the aisle, namely security and antisemitism.
Party Affiliation Loyalty
Concerning to both the Republican and Democratic parties is that the rise in the number of Independent Jewish voters is increasing. In JEI’s two 2026 national polls, one last Spring and one this fall, Jewish Independents went from 7% in the Spring to 10% just a few weeks ago. This represents approximately a 43% increase in the share of Jewish voters identifying as Independents. In the March 2026 poll, there was a total of 7% Independent, 69% Democrat, 24% Republican, and in September 2026, 10% polled Independent, 68% Democrat, 22% Republican. Will this slippage continue? It’s a concern.
We have received several messages from our members saying that they feel “politically orphaned.” While the upcoming midterm elections might not produce dramatic surprises, we need to look forward to the 2028 Presidential election. This should be a strong wake-up call to all who are engaged politically and not just to candidates and political parties.
Reasons For Optimism
While much is to be monitored over the next two years, there is reason to be optimistic. It comes from the resilience and energy of the Jewish community, where members traditionally are actively involved and engaged in all areas of society, in this case, politics. They want to participate. This matters greatly! It is about communal prayer, gathering around a Shabbat table, festive meals in a Sukkah, intimate reflection, learning, arguing, laughing, and always asking questions. It’s about passing a Torah from one generation to the next. And it’s about the extraordinary joy of being Jewish and part of the community.
A New Beginning Each Year
On Simchat Torah, Sunday, October 4, 2026, we finish reading the Torah, and immediately begin again. There is no ending to our story as a Jewish people. With every ending comes another beginning, as we carry our history, our traditions, and our voices forward from one generation to the next. We roll back the scroll to the beginning and start all over again. Every generation gets to begin again, wrestle with the words, ask new and old unanswered questions, find new meanings, and carry the tradition forward. And this is why our collective engagement in the political arena is so crucial: we share what we have learned with policymakers and community leaders and help create a future in which Jews can live fully, openly, and joyfully.
How You Can Help JEI Continue Its Important Work
Please consider supporting us and becoming part of our JEI family. Every contribution, at any level, helps JEI continue its work to ensure that the voices of Jewish Americans are heard and understood. Suggested contribution levels include:
Member — $36 - $360+
Research Circle — $1,800-$3,600+
Visionary Circle — $5,400-$7,200+
Leadership Circle — $18,000-$36,000+
Check our website to donate and for benefits in each level, or donate to The Jewish Electorate Institute, P.O. Box 2062, Rockville, MD 20847.
As we near the end of Sukkot, we wish you a joyful Simchat Torah and a year filled with more connection, more curiosity, and more reasons to sing and dance.
