Jewish Democrats contend with another glass ceiling: Their religion

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The Hill's Weekend Headlines — Sept. 25 - 27, 2026

The Hill's Weekend Headlines — Sept. 25 - 27, 2026

Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) has emerged as one of the most closely watched contenders in the initial polling for the 2028 Democratic primary. But one factor strategists say could be a challenge for the Georgia senator is his religion. 

Amid party tensions over Israel and the war in Gaza, Ossoff’s rise is pushing an uncomfortable question to the forefront for party operatives: whether being Jewish could be another glass ceiling in presidential politics.  

If Ossoff enters the race, “It’s going to be part of the conversation,” one Democratic strategist who plans to be part of the 2028 election said candidly. “Is it unfair? Yeah but it’s how our politics operate.”

It’s of particular interest among those watching the early stages of the Democratic Party’s contest given the fierce, years-long debate over U.S. support for Israel in the context of Gaza. The debate has been fierce in political primaries and led to drives for people to vote “uncommitted” when then-President Biden was running for reelection in early 2024.

While plenty of Jewish Americans and politicians are opposed to Israel’s government and its handling of Gaza, the battles have also stretched to such issues as Israel’s right to exist. Accusations of antisemitism against various politicians have also been leveled. 

It also comes at a time when some Jewish voters themselves are questioning their place in the party and whether they would support candidates including Abdul El-Sayed in the Michigan Senate race. 

Ossoff is not the only potential 2028 contender who is Jewish. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a finalist in former Vice President Kamala Harris’s........

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