RJC Announces Major Campaign to Defeat Anti-Israel Candidate in IN-08’s GOP Primary

Washington, DC – The Republican Jewish Coalition released the following statement announcing a 1 million dollar ad buy in the Republican primary for Indiana’s 8th congressional district.

RJC CEO Matt Brooks said:

While Democrats continue to endorse and embrace anti-Israel candidates across the country, the RJC and Republican Party stand up to them wherever possible. 

Starting April 10, the RJC has reserved $1 million on broadcast and cable television in IN-08 to defeat anti-Israel John Hostettler, as well as to support the leading candidate, state Senator Mark Messmer.

We are deeply troubled by John Hostettler's past record and RJC is committed to ensuring he does not get back to Congress. Hostettler has consistently opposed vital aid to Israel, trafficked antisemitic conspiracy theories, and voted against a 2000 resolution which supported Israel and condemned Palestinian leadership over the violence of the second Intifada.

This marks yet another major effort the RJC has undertaken in this regard, joining our previous campaigns to defeat disgraced former Representative Steve King in Iowa and former US Senator Heidi Heitkamp for her vote in favor of the Iran deal in North Dakota.

RJC has a long history of taking on the tough fights - including within our own party - and winning. We will work hard every day through Indiana’s Primary Day on May 7 to add John Hostettler’s defeat to the list.