{
  "id": 1902796,
  "title": "Stuck between antisemitism and anti-Zionism, sense wins out in Florida primaries - comment",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/19/stuck-between-antisemitism-and-anti-zionism-sense-wins-out-in-florida",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-19T09:42:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-905975"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Florida's recent primaries, the political landscape was a chaotic mix of antisemitism, anti-Zionism, and scandal. However, in one congressional district, the voters demonstrated a sense of reason. Dan Bilzerian, a social media provocateur, ran a campaign openly discussing a \"Jewish problem\" and referred to his opponent as a \"fat Jew,\" as well as releasing a music video with Hitler-like references. On the other hand, Republican Rep. Cory Mills, facing House ethics investigations and sexual misconduct allegations, was expelled by his own party.\n\nDespite the circus, a sensible outcome emerged as Bilzerian received a crushing defeat, which likely ends his political aspirations. In Florida's 6th Congressional District, incumbent Republican Rep. Randy Fine, despite his own past controversial statements against Muslims and Palestinians, secured nearly 57% of the vote against Bilzerian's under 19%. Fine's victory was not due to a moderate image, as some of his past rhetoric was criticized by both parties. However, Florida's voters overwhelmingly rejected a candidate who made antisemitism and anti-Israel views central to his political identity.\n\nBeyond Fine's victory, other Jewish incumbents with strong pro-Israel support secured their positions. Democratic Rep. Lois Frankel and former Democratic congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz won their respective races, despite opposition from candidates opposing Israel and AIPAC backing. Jared Moskowitz, a Jewish Democrat, also triumphed over an opponent backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who opposed US military aid to Israel, with around 63% of the vote.\n\nThe election results highlight a contrast in political ideologies, with hostility toward Israel becoming a political identity among some on the progressive Left. However, supporters of Israel, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have been nominated in major races. In the gubernatorial race, Republican Byron Donalds and Democrat David Jolly will face off, both of whom support Israel. This could be a positive development for the relationship between the United States and Israel, as neither major party has nominated a candidate seeking to undermine that bond.",
  "summary": "Florida's recent primaries have seen several notable outcomes. In the Democratic primary for Florida's 22nd Congressional District, Pia Dandiya, an Indian-American former school principal, secured 68.6% of the vote, defeating lawyer Kaysia Earley who received 31.4%. Dandiya, a first-generation American, will now compete against Republican Casey Askar, a former Marine, in the November general election.\n\nDandiya's campaign was driven by her experience as an educator and her hopes for the next generation. After her primary victory, she expressed gratitude to voters, stating that her campaign aimed to lower costs, end corruption, and make Washington work for the people. The Democratic National Committee has backed her campaign.\n\nIn other news, Republican Congressman Byron Donalds' wife, Erika Donalds, an education entrepreneur, has been married to him for over two decades. According to the Jerusalem Post, the primaries ultimately rejected antisemitism, marking a positive outcome for pro-Israel and Jewish candidates.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}