Florida primaries put Jewish politicians, Israel critics and antisemitism in spotlight

Florida's primaries on Tuesday feature races of high interest to the Jewish community. Republican gubernatorial candidate James Fishback, associated with white nationalist Nick Fuentes, has raised concerns. In the 6th District, Rep. Randy Fine faces Dan Bilzerian, who promotes antisemitic conspiracy theories. Pro-Israel Democrat Jared Moskowitz faces anti-Zionist activist Oliver Larkin in the 25th District. The races highlight GOP tensions over antisemitism and challenges for pro-Israel Democrats.

As Florida's primary elections approach on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, several races are drawing attention from the Jewish community. The state, home to a large Jewish population, is the last big state to hold its primaries. On the Republican side, the gubernatorial race features James Fishback, a former investment banker who has embraced online far-right figures like Nick Fuentes and uses coded antisemitic phrases. Despite trailing Rep. Byron Donalds in polls, Fishback's campaign has raised concerns among Jewish conservatives. In the 6th District, incumbent Rep. Randy Fine, a hardline pro-Israel Jew, faces challenger Dan Bilzerian, a celebrity poker player who has made antisemitic statements and claims Israel 'wanted Oct. 7 to happen.' The race has been marked by inflammatory rhetoric, including a swastika defacement of a Fine campaign sign. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jared Moskowitz, a pro-Israel Democrat, faces anti-Zionist activist Oliver Larkin in the 25th District. Moskowitz has outraised his challenger and has support from AIPAC. The primaries highlight tensions within both parties over antisemitism and Israel policy.