JStreetPAC supports Congressional candidates who share our conviction that strong American leadership to end the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflicts peacefully and diplomatically will advance U.S. interests in the Middle East and promote real peace and security for Israel and the region.
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Rep. Tammy Baldwin (WI-2) is running to replace retiring U.S. Senator Herb Kohl in what figures to be one of the most expensive and competitive races this cycle. Baldwin is the first openly gay woman elected to Congress and has represented this Madison based district since 1998. Baldwin is a strong supporter of Israel and two-state peace and proudly took JStreetPAC’s endorsement in 2010. Baldwin graduated first in her class from Smith College and has a law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to serving in Congress, Baldwin served in the Wisconsin State Assembly, Madison City Council, Dane County Board of Supervisors, and practiced law for several years.

Rep. Blumenauer was born, raised and educated in Portland, Oregon, and has been involved in Oregon politics since being elected to the state legislature in 1973 when he was 23 years old. A strong environmentalist, he serves as the second ranking Democrat on the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming and as a senior member on both the Budget and Ways and Means Committees. Rep. Blumenauer is one of JStreetPAC's earliest endorsees and we are proud to have endorsed him the past 3 election cycles. He is a champion for Israeli-Palestinian peace and has stated that an agreement will require “active, rigorous, sustained, and thoughtful American leadership.”

Suzanne Bonamici is running in a special election to represent Oregon's 1st Congressional District, which encompasses parts of Portland and surrounding counties that include farmland and coastline. Voting begins on January 13 and ends on January 31. A longtime consumer rights advocate, in 2006 Bonamici was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. In the Oregon House, she quickly distinguished herself as a committed leader on progressive issues which led to her appointment, and eventual election, to the Oregon Senate in 2008. Having traveled Israel with her family, Bonamici is an outspoken supporter of a two-state solution.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 2006, Representative Bruce Braley is a strong supporter pro-Israel, pro-peace stances on Capitol Hill. The founder of the Populist Caucus and the Vice Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Braley is a rising star in Congress who strongly believes in the urgent need for Middle East peace and a two-state solution.

Sen. Sherrod Brown is our newest Senate endorsee and has a strong progressive record on domestic and foreign policy issues. A member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Brown is running for his second term representing Ohio in one of the most closely-watched races this election cycle. Before entering the Senate, Sherrod Brown represented suburban Cleveland in Congress for seven terms, where he served on the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Sen. Brown is a graduate of Yale University and holds two graduate degrees from The Ohio State University.

Cheri Bustos is a former East Moline, Illinois City Council member and a non-profit health care leader who is running for Congress in the 17th District. She has also worked as an investigative journalist who uncovered corruption in local government. Bustos is a strong supporter of a two-state solution and her race against Tea Party Republican Bobby Schilling has been identified as one of the closest watched campaigns of 2012.

Elected to the House of Representatives in 1998, Rep. Capuano is a strong supporter of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives in Congress. Prior to his election to Congress, Capuano served as mayor of Somerville, MA from 1990 to 1998. Capuano is a champion of progressive issues and has a strong record of supporting working class Americans and human rights abroad. He is a three-time JStreetPAC endorsee.

Rep. Lois Capps is running for her sixth term representing this Coastal California district in Congress. Trained as a nurse, Rep. Capps serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, sits on the Subcommittee on Health and is expected to face a competitive re-election contest in this newly re-drawn district that includes much of Santa Barbara. One of JStreetPAC’s earliest endorsees, Rep. Capps has been a public champion of pro-Israel/pro-peace issues since being elected to Congress in 1998. As she has stated: “The vision the President has set forth for two states for two peoples reflects longstanding efforts by the U.S. over several Administrations and is the only viable way to move forward and achieve these critically important goals.”

Representative Russ Carnahan is running for his fourth term representing Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District. He currently serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs where he is a member of the Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia and the Vice-Chairman of the Subcommittee on International Organizations, Human Rights and Oversight. As a member of the New Democratic Coalition, Carnahan champions pro-growth economic policies and the need for accountability in government. Carnahan co-authored a letter with Representatives Cohen and Boustany supporting President Obama’s Middle East peace policies.

Representative Emanuel Cleaver was elected to Congress in 2004 and serves Missouri's 5th congressional district. Cleaver sits on the Financial Services Committee and is the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus. Prior to his election to Congress, Cleaver served as the mayor of Kansas City for eight years. An ordained United Methodist pastor, Cleaver has been a strong proponent of a two-state solution.

Before running for Congress in 2006, Rep. Cohen served as a Tennessee state senator for over twenty years. Cohen, a three-time JStreetPAC endorsee, has been a strong friend of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement. He has consistently signed on to J Street-backed congressional initiatives and taken a leadership role in encouraging his colleagues to do the same.

Representative Gerry Connolly is running for his third term representing Virginia’s 11th Congressional District. Connolly earned his Masters in Public Administration from Harvard. Before being elected to Congress, Connolly spent 10 years as a staff member on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and served for 14 years on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Rep. Connolly is a member of the powerful House Committee on Foreign Affairs, serving on the Middle East and South Asia and Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade Subcommittees. Connolly narrowly won re-election in 2010 and his district remains one of the most competitive in the nation heading into the 2012 election season.

Rep. John Conyers has been a reliable friend of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement throughout his career. Conyers is the second-longest serving member of the House of Representatives, having served the state of Michigan since 1965. Rep. Conyers believes that now is the time to push for a comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and the Palestinians. He supports President Obama’s efforts to promote a two-state solution and signed the Cohen-Boustany-Carnahan letter in support of the President’s policies.

Rep. Cooper represents Tennessee's 5th Congressional District, which encompasses the Nashville area. He was first elected to Congress in 2003 and serves on the Armed Services Committee. Cooper has been a strong advocate of a two-state solution in Congress, supporting the Administration's calls for a settlement freeze and signing on to the Cohen-Boustany-Carnahan letter. JStreetPAC is pleased to re-endorse this strong friend of the pro-Israel, pro-peace movement.

First elected to Congress in 1996, Rep. Danny Davis has been a longtime supporter of Israel and a two-state solution. Prior to serving in Congress, Davis worked as a government clerk, a high school teacher and a non-profit executive. Davis also served on both the Chicago City Council and the Cook County Board of Commissioners. He remains a steadfast supporter of U.S. leadership to bring about a lasting peace in the Middle East.

First elected to the House in 2000, Rep. Davis served as the immediate past Chairwoman of the Armed Services Committee’s Subcommittee on Military Personnel. Her personal connection to Israel, forged decades ago when she lived as a volunteer on Kibbutz Degania Bet, has helped to make her one of Capitol Hill’s most consistent champions for Middle East peace.

Representative Diana DeGette is a rising star in the Democratic Party and is running for her 9th term representing Colorado's 1st District, which encompasses the Denver metro area. DeGette served two terms in the Colorado House of Representatives before being elected to Congress, including a stint as assistant minority leader from 1993-1995. DeGette is the immediate past vice chair of the Committee on Energy and Commerce and serves as the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. In 2005 she was appointed chief deputy whip for the House Democrats. DeGette is a longtime supporter of Israel and the two state solution.

Rep. Edwards tapped into the fundraising power of the Internet to win a special election in 2008 and become the first female African-American to represent Maryland in the House of Representatives. In Congress, Edwards has quickly developed a reputation as a progressive leader and serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure and Science and Technology Committees. She strongly supports bold U.S. leadership to achieve a two-state solution and JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse her.

Rep. Ellison is one of only two Muslim members of Congress. He is a champion of human rights and serves on the influential Financial Services and Foreign Affairs Committees. Rep. Ellison has traveled to the Middle East on a number of occasions and possesses an intimate knowledge of the region. He has been outspoken about the need to continue U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority as a means of safeguarding American and Israeli security interests.

Rep. Anna Eshoo was first elected in 1992 to represent California’s 14th Congressional District and is now a strong leader on the Hill. Prior to serving in the House, Eshoo served on the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors for 10 years. Throughout her career in Congress, Rep. Eshoo has spoken out for human rights and energy independence, amongst other critical issues. She is a strong supporter of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives.

Rep. Sam Farr, a fifth generation Californian, has represented the state's 17th Congressional District since 1993. Farr began his career in public service in 1964, serving in the Peace Corps in Colombia. Prior to serving in Congress, Farr served for thirteen years in the California State Assembly, six years as a Monterey County Supervisor, and a decade as a staffer in the California State Assembly. Farr has been a strong advocate on the Hill for U.S. leadership to bring about a two-state solution.

Bill Foster served as the representative of Illinois' 14th Congressional District from March 2008 to January 2011. Foster's old district has since been redrawn and he is currently mounting a strong campaign to win it back. Throughout his time in Congress, Foster was a passionate advocate of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives on Capitol Hill. Prior to serving in House, Foster was a well respected research physicist and a successful businessman. Foster believes in the strong alliance between the U.S. and Israel and understands that a two-state solution is in the best interest of all parties. JStreetPAC was proud to endorse Foster in his 2010 re-election bid and is proud support him again in 2012.

Rep. John Garamendi represents California's 10th Congressional District and was first elected to Congress in a 2009 special election. Garamendi won reelection in 2010 and has since declared his candidacy for California's newly created 3rd Congressional District, which was born out of the state's most recent round of redistricting. Garamendi was raised in Mokelumne Hill, California and completed his undergraduate studies at University of California Berkeley, where he was a star football player and wrestler. He went on to receive an MBA from Harvard Business School and serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia. Prior to his election to Congress, Garamendi served in the California State Assembly for almost two decades, was the California state insurance commissioner from 1991 to 1995, the U.S. deputy secretary of the interior from 1995 to 1998, and the California state insurance commissioner again from 2003 to 2007. He then served as the lieutenant governor of California from January 2007 until he was elected to Congress in November 2009. An outspoken proponent of U.S. leadership in the international community, Garamendi is a strong supporter of Israel and a two-state solution.

Rep. Grijalva is running for his sixth term representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Grijalva was born and raised in Tucson, Arizona and received his bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Arizona. Over the past 35 years, Rep. Grijalva has built an exceptional record of public service within his district and is now a leading voice in Congress as a co-chair of the Progressive Caucus. Grijalva is a strong supporter of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives on the Hill and held on to his seat despite a surprisingly close election in 2010. JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse Rep. Grijalva in 2012.

Rep. Hinchey is a navy veteran and has a long career of public service. A member of the powerful Committee on Appropriations, Hinchey is known for his international work combating human rights abuses. He is dedicated to the Middle East peace process and believes that a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians is the only way to ensure Israel’s long-term survival.

The only physicist currently serving in Congress, Rush Holt was first elected to the House in 1998. A strong progressive, he is an expert on education and energy issues and serves on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Natural Resources, where he has been named the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources. Rep. Holt is a strong advocate of Middle East peace and was Chairman of the Select Intelligence Oversight Panel from its start in 2007 until it was disbanded in 2010. In an op-ed marking Israel’s 60th year since independence he wrote, “I strongly believe that the United States must remain actively engaged in ensuring a peaceful settlement of the current conflict between the two parties.”

Rep. Mike Honda is running for his seventh term representing California’s 15th Congressional District. He currently sits on the powerful Appropriations Committee, is serving his 7th year as the chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, and was re-appointed to his second term as Vice Chair of the Democratic National Committee. Prior to serving in Congress, Rep. Honda was a Peace Corps volunteer and spent over 30 years as an educator before becoming a member of the California State Assembly. Rep. Honda has been a strong advocate of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives in Congress.

Rep. Hank Johnson is a progressive Democrat running for his fourth term serving Georgia’s 4th Congressional District. Prior to serving in Congress, Johnson served as a DeKalb County Commissioner and was a judge for 12 years. Rep. Johnson currently serves on the House Armed Services and Judiciary Committees. He is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus and a Regional Whip for Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, and Alabama.

Ron Kind is running for his ninth term representing Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District. Kind attended Harvard University where he was quarterback for the football team. He went on to receive a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and a law degree from the University of Minnesota Law School. Kind currently serves on the powerful Ways and Means Committee and is the Co-Vice-Chair of the New Democratic Coalition. Rep. Kind believes that strong U.S. engagement is needed to help bring about a two-state solution.

Ann McLane Kuster is running to represent New Hampshire’s 2nd Congressional District. Kuster was born in Concord, NH and is a longtime community activist, attorney, and public policy advocate. She supports strong U.S. leadership to bring about a two-state solution. JStreetPAC proudly supported Kuster in her 2010 campaign for the same seat, which she lost narrowly, and is proud re-endorse her in 2012.

Rep. Dave Loebsack is running for his fourth term representing Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, covering the cities of Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. In Congress, Rep. Loebsack serves on the House Committee on the Armed Services and on the Committee on Education and Labor. A former professor of international politics at Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, Rep. Loebsack has a detailed and nuanced understanding of the politics and history of the Middle East. He is a strong supporter of a two-state solution.

Rep. McCollum represents Minnesota's 4th Congressional District, which includes Minnesota's capital city, St. Paul. She was elected to Congress in 2000 and has been a strong ally of the pro-Israel, pro-peace community. JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse this three-time endorsee.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 1988, Rep. McDermott is a vocal advocate for pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives on Capitol Hill. A member of the Progressive Caucus, McDermott has worked for Middle East peace and a two-state solution throughout his esteemed congressional career.

Rep. McGovern is a veteran of Capitol Hill, having worked for years as a congressional aide before first winning election to Congress in 1996. Rep. McGovern was an outspoken critic of the Bush Administration’s handling of the war in Iraq and has earned a reputation as a champion of human rights. McGovern has been a strong supporter of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives in Congress.

Since J Street’s founding, Rep. Miller has been a close friend and ally on the Hill. A leading advocate on education, labor, the economy, and the environment, he has served in the House of Representatives since 1975 and served as the immediate past Chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee. Miller opposed the Iraq War, has taken a strong stand against a pre-emptive attack on Iran, and supports a two-state solution.

Gwen Moore is running for her fifth term representing Wisconsin’s 4th Congressional District, which encompasses Milwaukee and its working-class suburbs of Cudahy, St. Francis, South Milwaukee, and West Milwaukee. Rep. Moore was born in Racine, Wisconsin, but has spent most of her life in Milwaukee. She served in the Wisconsin State Senate from 1993 to 2004. Moore is a co-chair of the Women's Caucus and a longtime friend of the Jewish community. She possesses an in-depth knowledge of the Middle East and is a strong advocate of a two-state solution.

First elected to the House of Representatives in 1988, Rep. Payne is a longtime advocate of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives in Congress. A prominent leader on human rights issues, Rep. Payne has been a leader in bringing peace to Rwanda and Northern Ireland. Payne understands that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is in the best interest of the U.S.

Before winning election to the House in 2008, Rep. Pingree served eight years in the Maine State Senate and was the CEO of Common Cause, a citizens’ lobbying group for open government. Rep. Pingree been a strong supporter of pro-Israel, pro-peace policies in her first term, including signing the Cohen-Boustany letter.

An entrepreneur and education activist, Rep. Polis was the first openly gay man to be elected to the House of Representatives. Rep. Polis’s strong Jewish upbringing has informed his love for Israel and passion for peace. Polis supports a two-state solution and recognizes the importance of U.S. leadership in promoting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse Polis, a three-time endorsee.

Rep. Price is a true champion of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives and has signed onto almost every J Street action in Congress. Most recently, he co-authored a letter calling for continued U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority. Rep. Price is a veteran of the House, having served as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committees’ Subcommittee on Homeland Security.

An established leader who has spent his entire career in public service, former Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Rep. Charlie Rangel has always been a dedicated friend of Israel. Rangel was a fierce opponent of the war in Iraq and a signatory of the Cohen-Boustany-Carnahan Letter and the Ackerman-Boustany Letter, both of which supported the advancement of the peace process. Elected to Congress in 1970, Rangel was a founding member and is a former chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus.

Rep. Schakowsky was elected to represent Illinois' 9th Congressional District in 1998. She is a progressive champion of consumer rights, women’s rights, veteran’s rights and government accountability. Schakowsky is one of the most knowledgeable members of Congress on Israel and Middle East policy and believes that it is crucial for the U.S. to play an active role in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

Rep. Speier is currently running for her second full term in Congress. She serves on the House Committee on Financial Services, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. Rep. Speier is of Armenian and Jewish descent and is a strong supporter of J Street’s mission. She believes that the U.S. should push for a comprehensive two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Rep. Mike Thompson is serving his 6th term representing California's 1st Congressional District and is running for election in the state's newly drawn 5th Congressional District. Thompson was born in St. Helena, California and attended California State University, Chico. His background includes experience in both the private and public sectors, having served in the Army in Vietnam, owned a local Vineyard and worked as a professor of public administration at San Francisco State University and California State University, Chico. Thompson also served as an aide to then-Assemblywoman Jackie Speier before being elected to the California State Senate in 1990 and the U.S. House of Representatives in 1998. He is an outspoken supporter of U.S. leadership to broker a two-state solution.

Rep. Peter Welch is a progressive Democrat running for his fourth term representing Vermont’s lone congressional district. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce and Oversight and Government Reform Committees and is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Welch was an outspoken critic of the war in Iraq and has been a champion of pro-Israel, pro-peace initiatives. Most recently, he co-authored a letter calling for continued U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority. JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse this three-time endorsee.

Rep. Yarmuth, whose district includes Louisville, is one of J Street's strongest friends on Capitol Hill. He is a graduate of Yale, and worked as a newspaper publisher and editor before being elected to Congress in 2006. Though best known for his work in the media, Yarmuth’s diverse career has included positions in the business, higher education, and healthcare fields. Yarmuth cosponsored legislation calling on the President to appoint a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace. JStreetPAC is proud to re-endorse Rep. Yarmuth, a three-time endorsee.