Craig Goldman, a businessman and Texas state legislator, has secured a decisive victory in his congressional bid for North Texas, increasing the count of Jewish Republicans in the U.S. Congress to three for the first time in over a decade.
Goldman defeated Democrat Trey Hunt with a commanding 64% to 36% margin, taking over the seat from Rep. Kay Granger in the 12th District, which extends westward from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Granger, a veteran Republican lawmaker with strong ties to the pro-Israel community, is stepping down from her long-held position.
Joining Goldman in Congress are Reps. David Kustoff from Tennessee and Max Miller from Ohio, forming the Republican Jewish delegation in the House. The GOP hasn’t had three Jewish members in Congress since the early 2000s, during the tenure of Rep. Eric Cantor from Virginia, alongside Senators Norm Coleman from Minnesota and Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania. The number dwindled to just one in 2009 when Coleman lost his seat and Specter switched to the Democratic Party.
Currently, there are 24 Jewish Democrats serving in the House and nine in the Senate.
At 56, Goldman is a seasoned real estate entrepreneur and a 12-year veteran of the Texas legislature, where he rose to become the majority leader in the state House of Representatives. He has also been actively involved with the Republican Jewish Coalition, contributing as both a member and a fundraiser.
“Congressman-Elect Goldman’s victory expands Jewish Republican representation with @HouseGOP!” the RJC tweeted, congratulating him on his success.
As noted in a May profile by Jewish Insider, Goldman distinguishes himself within his party by opposing the isolationist stance gaining traction among some Republicans. He advocates for continued support to U.S. allies, including Israel and Ukraine.
{Matzav.com}