General Election: November 3, 2026
Our team has researched candidates in key races to provide voters with information on their track records. We primarily consider their words and deeds related to Jewish wellbeing. When candidates associate with the far-left or far-right in ways that undermine democracy or pluralism, we note that as well, because these values are also important to Jewish safety.
We recognize that there are numerous other critical issues at stake in this election. We encourage all voters to consider our findings alongside other resources to understand each candidate as broadly as possible.
These assessments were published on October 9, 2026 based on information then available.
Western Pennsylvania Candidate Evaluations
US House PA-12
District 12 includes: Part of Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh, and part of Westmoreland County.
Summer Lee (D) – Incumbent
Rep. Summer Lee’s words, votes, and political alliances are causing real harm to the Jewish community by amplifying antisemitic and extremist voices and undermining the pluralism and democratic norms that protect Jewish Americans.
Rep. Summer Lee has served as the U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 12th district since 2023.
While Lee has condemned antisemitism in broad terms, her public posture and political choices create a widening gap with large portions of her district’s Jewish community and allies.
Lee voted against multiple bipartisan resolutions addressing antisemitism in the wake of October 7. Most notably, she opposed the Antisemitism Awareness Act, which passed with broad bipartisan backing (including a majority of Democrats).
Rep. Lee also promotes figures who openly support violence and terrorist groups. Lee has platformed and amplified Hasan Piker, an online influencer who has drawn criticism for invoking antisemitic tropes and conspiracies. Piker has made inflammatory statements – including referring to religious Jews as “inbred,” stating that “America deserved 9/11,” dismissing allegations of sexual violence, and expressing that he prefers Hamas to Israel. Lee granted Piker a friendly, hours-long interview in November 2025 and also campaigned alongside him in April 2026. Rep. Lee’s interactions with Piker normalize and amplify antisemitic, antipluralist, and antidemocratic voices.
Rep. Lee’s own statements reinforce this pattern. Rep. Lee repeated or amplified disputed or false claims about the Israel–Hamas war, such as the war had a “99% civilian casualty rate.” While Rep. Lee has built a significant part of her political identity around opposition to “outside money” and PAC influence in politics, she repeatedly singles out AIPAC, saying, “AIPAC is an existential threat to the Black community and its right to self determination.” However, she benefited from multiple outside PAC networks, including the Working Families Party, Justice Democrats, and PAL PAC.
Rep. Lee is no longer endorsed by JStreet or Jewish Democratic Outreach Pennsylvania (JDOP), who both endorsed her first congressional race. She is currently endorsed by the Working Families Party, the Sunrise Movement, and Bend the Arc.
James Hayes (R) ⭐
James Hayes has not held public office, but has actively engaged with the Jewish community and spoken out against antisemitism and extremism within his own party.
James Hayes is a businessman who has not held prior public office. He has actively engaged with various minority communities, including the Pittsburgh Jewish community, where he has attended and spoken at hostage vigils and other Jewish community events. Hayes opposes BDS and has spoken clearly against antisemitism within the Republican Party, telling Beacon that “there is no place—none—for antisemitism, Holocaust denial, or Nazi sympathizing in our country, our politics, or our party.” He added that such rhetoric must be addressed by leaders, saying: “Silence can legitimize hate; leadership helps isolate it.”
PA House, District 23
District 23 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of part of Pittsburgh (Wards 4, 5, 7, 14 and 15), including the neighborhoods of Oakland, Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Greenfield, Swisshelm Park and Regent Square.
Dan Frankel (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Dan Frankel has consistently stood up to antisemitism and extremism, even within his own political party, while championing pluralism and supporting the Jewish community.
Representative Dan Frankel has served Pennsylvania’s 23rd district since 1999. Rep. Frankel has been a leading voice opposing extremism. He has clearly opposed BDS, stating that its “disingenuous demands lay the groundwork to delegitimize Israel and isolate Jews everywhere.” Frankel has also spoken out against rhetoric that is harmful to Jewish constituents, including criticizing Rep. Summer Lee’s harmful October 7, 2024 statement and raising concern about her amplification of extremist and antisemitic rhetoric, warning that “dehumanizing language creates an environment where hatred is emboldened and violence becomes more likely.” Rep. Frankel has also made clear that public calls for “intifada” are “antisemitic and meant to intimidate Jewish communities here at home, putting real people at risk.” He has consistently stood up for pluralism in Pennsylvania, sponsoring a series of anti-hate crime bills designed to protect residents across all races, religions, and identities. He is Co-Chair of the Jewish Legislative Caucus and recently helped secure $1.3 million in security grants for local faith and community organizations.
PA House, District 34
District 34 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of part of Pittsburgh (Wards 13 and 14), Wilkins Township and Braddock, Braddock Hills, Chalfant, Churchill, East Pittsburgh, Edgewood, Forest Hills, North Braddock, Rankin, Swissvale and Wilkinsburg Boroughs.
Abigail Salisbury (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Abigail Salisbury has consistently confronted antisemitism, including within her own political party, while championing pluralism and the equal participation of all communities.
Representative Abigail Salisbury has served in the Pennsylvania House since 2023. She has been an active advocate on issues affecting the Jewish community, including co-sponsoring legislation creating Pennsylvania’s Jewish American Heritage Month, condemning the October 7 attacks, and advancing anti-hate crime legislation. Salisbury has consistently spoken out against antisemitism, including calling out rhetoric within her own party and engaging directly with institutions on concerns about campus climate and public discourse, writing that “if Jews aren’t safe, none of us can be safe.” She is a member of the Jewish Legislative Caucus and was the primary sponsor of legislation promoting screening for Gaucher’s disease, which disproportionately affects Jewish infants. Her record reflects a strong commitment to pluralism and democratic norms, including advocating for the ability of all religious communities to fully participate in civic life and speaking out against rhetoric and behavior that threaten the safety and inclusion of any minority group.
PA House, District 33
District 33 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of East Deer, Fawn, Frazer, Harmar, Harrison, Indiana, O’Hara and Springdale Townships and Aspinwall, Blawnox, Brackenridge, Cheswick, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, Springdale and Tarentum Boroughs.
Mandy Steele (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Mandy Steele has consistently demonstrated that standing with the Jewish community and against antisemitism is part of her commitment to a pluralistic Pennsylvania.
Representative Mandy Steele has served Pennsylvania’s 33rd District since 2022, following prior service as a local elected official and community leader. She has supported resolutions condemning the October 7 Hamas attacks, voted to recognize Jewish Day Schools Week, and is a member of the Jewish Legislative Caucus. Steele has engaged with the Jewish community in her district, including attending local hostage vigils and holiday gatherings. After the Bondi Beach shooting in December 2025, she delayed her departure for a legislative session to join her community menorah lighting, saying, “It is important to me to stand with my Jewish friends as they continue to endure persecution and terror here and around the world.”
Mike Hammill (R)
Mike Hammill has served on the O’Hara Township Council since 2021. There is limited information available about Mr. Hammill’s positions or past interaction with the Jewish community.
Mike Hammill is a Dialysis technician and Navy Veteran who has served on the O’Hara Township Council since 2021. There is limited information available about Mr. Hammill’s positions or past interaction with the Jewish community.
PA House, District 44
District 44 includes: Part of Allegheny County, including Aleppo, Bell Acres, Crescent, Edgeworth, Findlay, Glenfield, Haysville, Leet, Leetsdale, Moon, North Fayette, Osborne, Sewickley, Sewickley Heights and Sewickley Hills.
Valerie Gaydos (R) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Valerie Gaydos has demonstrated support for the Jewish community and a willingness to confront antisemitism and extremism, even within her own political party.
Rep. Valerie Gaydos has represented HD-44 since 2019. Her legislative record includes working with the Pennsylvania Jewish Coalition to introduce and support amendments addressing antisemitism and voting across party lines to support hate crimes legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel (D) as well as Pennsylvania’s Muslim Heritage and Appreciation Month. She told Beacon Coalition that she has “immediately condemned antisemitism in all its forms including and especially the ‘BDS’ movement.” Gaydos has also engaged directly with the Jewish community, including visiting Chabad after it was targeted by conspiracy theories promoted by prominent right-wing media figures, and participating in Beacon’s antisemitism training to help Republican candidates identify and push back against antisemitism and conspiracy-driven rhetoric within their own party.
Hadley Haas (D)
Hadley Haas has not held prior political office and has a limited public record of engagement with mainstream Jewish community concerns. She left unaddressed several opportunities to take clearer positions against antizionist extremism.
Hadley Haas has not held prior political office. She has retweeted posts both condemning Hamas and condemning Netanyahu, but has not engaged formally with the Jewish community in her district. When asked by Beacon Coalition, she declined to state a position about the bipartisan Pennsylvania Senate bill prohibiting public entities from participating in BDS. Haas attended a Beacon Coalition educational event in 2025 about antisemitism and antizionism.
PA House, District 32
District 32 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of Penn Hills Township and Oakmont, Plum and Verona Boroughs.
Joe McAndrew (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Joe McAndrew has shown a willingness to stand against antisemitism and BDS while engaging with and supporting the Jewish community.
Representative Joe McAndrew has represented the 32nd Legislative District since 2024 and previously worked for Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17). Representative McAndrew voted in favor of a Pennsylvania House Resolution condemning the Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023 and has actively engaged with the Jewish community during his time in office. When asked by Beacon about how elected officials should respond to antisemitism/antizionism being voiced by colleagues, he said: “If there is a marginalization of the Jewish community, we should take steps to show that the party is united in pushing back against hate.” Representative McAndrew opposes the BDS movement.
Gary Motor (R)
Gary Motor is a Data Center Manager who has not held prior elected office. There is limited information available about Mr. Motor’s positions or interactions with the Jewish community.
PA House, District 40
District 40 includes: Part of Allegheny County, including Bethel Park and Upper St. Clair, and part of Washington County, including Peters Township.
Natalie Mihalek (R) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Natalie Mihalek has publicly rejected election denial and has a legislative and public speaking record that demonstrates support for the Jewish community and religious pluralism.
Rep. Natalie Mihalek has served in the Pennsylvania House since 2018. She has demonstrated support for the Jewish community, co-sponsoring anti-BDS legislation, saying: “The violent actions on Hamas’ part in 2023, just like any other unprovoked violence against a group of people based purely on ethnicity, race or religious belief, must never be validated.”
Mihalek has also spoken publicly against election denial, rejecting calls to overturn Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results and describing claims of a stolen election as a “false narrative.” She voted for resolutions supporting Israel’s security and condemning the Hamas terrorist attack and supporting Jewish Day Schools Week. Mihalek has also voted across party lines for hate crime legislation sponsored by Rep. Dan Frankel (D) and to support Pennsylvania’s Muslim Heritage and Appreciation Month.
Jon Lloyd (D)
There is limited public evidence from which to assess Mr. Lloyd’s record on Jewish community concerns. Mr. Lloyd has chosen to promote endorsements from concerning political figures.
Jon Lloyd has not held prior office. Lloyd has campaigned alongside Bethany Hallam, who herself has celebrated Hamas’ attacks, made light of political violence and deployed antisemitic language. There is limited public record from which to assess his stance on Jewish community concerns, antisemitism, or pluralism. Lloyd did not return the Beacon Coalition questionnaire.
PA House, District 20
District 20 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of part of Pittsburgh (Wards 26 and 27), Ross Township and Avalon, Bellevue and West View Boroughs.
Emily Kinkead (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Representative Emily Kinkead has served District 20 since 2020. She has supported hate crime legislation and voted for a resolution condemning Hamas following the October 7 attacks. Kinkead’s public statements reflect a commitment to pluralism, often underscoring support for a wide range of communities. After the antisemitic attack on Bondi Beach in Australia, Kinkead said: “I would like to remind our Jewish communities that I stand in solidarity with them, both here in Pittsburgh and around the world.”
PA House, District 30
District 30 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of Hampton, Kilbuck, McCandless and Ohio Townships and Ben Avon, Ben Avon Heights, Emsworth and Franklin Park Boroughs.
Arvind Venkat (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Arvind Venkat has demonstrated support for Jewish safety and American pluralism while engaging constructively with the Jewish community.
Arvind Venkat has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2023. He has supported resolutions condemning Hamas’ terror attacks and recognizing Jewish communal life, including legislation designating Jewish Day Schools Week in Pennsylvania and promoting screening for Gaucher’s disease, which disproportionately affects Jewish infants. Dr. Venkat is a member of the Jewish Legislative Caucus, alongside a range of other bipartisan and identity-based caucuses, and has spoken about pluralism as a core democratic value, stating that “diversity…reflects the strength of Pennsylvania.” He has also engaged directly with Jewish constituents at various local synagogues.
Libby Blackburn (R)
Libby Blackburn is a long time school-board member who has demonstrated willingness to work across party lines and support broad participation in elections.
Libby Blackburn has served on the North Allegheny School Board since 2011. She has appeared on both Democratic and Republican school-board ballots and has emphasized working across party lines and making elections accessible. There is limited information publicly available about Ms. Blackburn’s interactions with the Jewish community.
PA Senate, District 42
District 42 includes: Part of Allegheny County, including parts of Pittsburgh and Mt. Lebanon; Kennedy, Neville, Reserve and Stowe Townships; and Avalon, Bellevue, Ben Avon, Carnegie, Crafton, Dormont, Emsworth, Green Tree, Ingram, McKees Rocks and Millvale Boroughs.
Wayne Fontana (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Senator Wayne Fontana has represented Pennsylvania’s 42nd District since 2005 and currently serves as Democratic Chair of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. His legislative record includes consistent, long-term support for measures addressing antisemitism, including voting for legislation prohibiting state entities from boycotting or divesting from Israel in 2024 and co-sponsoring Senate Resolution 130, which condemns the June 1, 2025 antisemitic firebombing attack in Boulder and calls for action to address rising antisemitism in Pennsylvania. Senator Fontana is consistently engaged with the Jewish community in his district. Senator Fontana also supported earlier anti-BDS legislation enacted into law in 2016.
PA House, District 36
District 36 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of part of Pittsburgh (Wards 16, 17, 18 and 19) and Brentwood and Mount Oliver Boroughs.
Jessica Benham (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Representative Jessica Benham has served District 36 since 2020. She has supported hate crime legislation and voted for a resolution supporting Israel following the October 7 attacks. Benham’s public statements emphasize pluralism, frequently highlighting support for diverse communities, and she has taken value-based nuanced positions on complex issues. On political violence, she said, “While I have profound disagreements with Charlie Kirk and the views he promotes…Political violence, no matter who the target is, makes all of us less safe.” On the Israel–Hamas war, she expressed support for the return of Israeli hostages and humanitarian relief in Gaza. In response to the Bondi Beach shooting she stated, “This antisemitic violence is an attack on our shared humanity.”
PA Senate, District 46
District 46 includes: Part of Beaver County, including Hanover, Independence and Frankfort Springs, and all of Washington and Greene Counties.
Camera Bartolotta (R) – Incumbent ⭐
State Senator Camera Bartolotta has demonstrated support for Jewish community concerns while speaking out against anti-pluralist rhetoric within her own party.
State Senator Camera Bartolotta has represented the 46th district since 2014. She has voted twice (in 2016 and 2024) to support bipartisan bills combatting the prejudicial BDS movement. She has also pushed back on anti-pluralist rhetoric coming from within her party, speaking against the demonization of immigrant communities in her district during the 2024 election cycle.
Jodi Ward Borello (I)
Jodi Borello has no prior public office and has a limited public record on issues related to antisemitism, democracy, or pluralism.
Jodi Borello has not held prior public office. She previously worked as a community organizer with the Center for Coalfield Justice. She is running as an Independent, emphasizing accountability to constituents rather than to a political party. Ms. Borello has a limited public record on issues related to antisemitism, democracy, or pluralism.
PA House, District 16
District 16 includes: Part of Beaver County, including the City of Aliquippa; Center, Harmony, Hopewell and Rochester Townships; and Ambridge, Baden, Conway, East Rochester, Freedom, Monaca, Rochester and South Heights Boroughs.
Robert Matzie (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Robert Matzie has a longstanding legislative record supporting the Jewish community and opposing BDS.
Rep. Robert Matzie has served in the Pennsylvania House since 2008 and currently serves as Majority Caucus Chairman. His legislative record includes votes supporting Jewish American Heritage Month and Holocaust remembrance, as well as condemning Hamas’ terror attacks. In 2015, Matzie voted for a resolution explicitly condemning the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and affirming the Jewish people’s right to self-determination in Israel.
John Costanza (R)
John Costanza is a businessman who has not previously held public office and has a limited public record. There is limited information available about his positions on antisemitism or extremism.
PA House, District 27
District 27 includes: Part of Allegheny County, consisting of part of Pittsburgh (Wards 19 and 20), Scott Township and Crafton, Green Tree, Heidelberg, Ingram, Rosslyn Farms and Thornburg Boroughs.
Dan Deasy (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Dan Deasy has served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since 2008. He has consistently voted in support of resolutions opposing BDS, backing Israel’s security and condemning Hamas, as well as resolutions recognizing Jewish History Month and Jewish Day Schools Week in Pennsylvania. Representative Deasy’s record reflects long-standing allyship with the Jewish community.
PA House, District 39
District 39 includes: Part of Allegheny County, including Elizabeth, Forward, Jefferson Hills, Pleasant Hills and South Park, and part of Washington County, including Carroll, Finleyville, Monongahela, New Eagle and Union.
Andrew Kuzma (R) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Andrew Kuzma has demonstrated a consistent record of supporting Jewish community concerns and religious pluralism, including through bipartisan votes and legislation addressing antisemitism.
Rep. Andrew Kuzma has been the state representative for PA-39 since 2023. Kuzma has a record of sponsoring and supporting legislation addressing antisemitism and recognizing Jewish history, including co-sponsoring legislation requiring public universities to address antisemitism. He also co-sponsored resolutions recognizing International Holocaust Remembrance Day and joined Democrats to support Pennsylvania’s Muslim Heritage and Appreciation Month. His record reflects support for protecting religious communities and pluralism, though he voted against final passage of several 2023 hate-crime measures.
Dylan Altemara (D)
Dylan Altemara’s past rhetoric raises concerns about his regard for Jewish safety and pluralism. He has recently engaged with Beacon and moderated his rhetoric, indicating willingness to address concerns about antisemitism.
Dylan Altemara has held no prior elected office. He has a history of extreme rhetoric, including accusing Israel of genocide, labelling it a “theocratic ethnostate,” and calling AIPAC activities a “reign of terror.” In response to a question from Beacon about elected officials engaging with media personalities who have promoted antisemitism and violence, he said: “Do not legitimize harmful rhetoric…Engagement should never come at the expense of basic standards of human dignity or factual integrity.” He is endorsed by Our Revolution (founded by Bernie Sanders).
Finding this information helpful?
Donate today to support our work.
Share this page.
Eastern Pennsylvania Candidate Evaluations
US House PA-7
District 7 includes: All of Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon Counties and part of Monroe County.
Bob Brooks (D) ⭐
Bob Brooks has not held prior office. He has engaged with the Jewish community and spoken clearly against antisemitism.
Bob Brooks is a retired Bethlehem firefighter and president of the Pennsylvania Professional Fire Fighters Association (PPFFA), a position he has held since 2021. Since the primary, Brooks has expanded his engagement with the Jewish community, including visiting the Lehigh Valley Jewish Federation and making public statements condemning antisemitism and commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day.
Ryan Mackenzie (R) – Incumbent
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie has addressed antisemitism through congressional oversight, investigating antisemitism in Philadelphia schools. He challenged certification of Pennsylvania’s 2020 election results, while more recently he has participated in bipartisan efforts to restore trust in America’s democracy.
Rep. Ryan Mackenzie served in the Pennsylvania House 2012-2024 was elected to the U.S. House in 2024. In 2020, Mackenzie supported challenges to Pennsylvania’s electoral votes and the certification of the presidential election. In 2024, he joined Democrats to support Pennsylvania’s Muslim Heritage and Appreciation Month. Since joining the U.S. House, Mackenzie has participated in bipartisan efforts to restore trust in the institutions of democracy by introducing bills to reduce partisanship in congressional redistricting. In 2025, Mackenzie joined an investigation into allegations of antisemitism in the Philadelphia School District, calling on the superintendent to “end any harassment, eliminate any hostile environment and its effects, and prevent any harassment from recurring.”
PA House, District 112
District 112 includes: Part of Lackawanna County, consisting of the City of Carbondale; Carbondale, Fell and Jefferson Townships; and Archbald, Blakely, Dunmore, Jermyn, Jessup, Mayfield, Olyphant, Throop and Vandling Boroughs.
Kyle Mullins (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Kyle Mullins has demonstrated support for the Jewish and other minority communities, both legislatively and through his public actions.
Rep. Kyle Mullins has served in the Pennsylvania House since 2018. In 2020, Mullins co-sponsored anti-BDS legislation. He has subsequently voted to condemn Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attacks, secured $1 million in state funding for the Jewish Home of Eastern Pennsylvania, and participated in Jewish community events. Mullins has also demonstrated a commitment to pluralism, including speaking out against political violence across partisan divides and supporting minority groups in public remarks and through legislation.
Joe Sabia (R)
Joe Sabia’s public social media activity includes explicit antisemitic and antipluralist rhetoric, including Holocaust denial and Great Replacement theory, alongside conspiracy-driven attacks on democratic institutions.
Joe Sabia is a businessman who has not held public office. His personal Instagram account contains repeated posts promoting Holocaust denial and Great Replacement theory (the conspiracy theory that inspired the Tree of Life shooter). His public statements include conspiracy-driven rhetoric describing the federal government as an “organized crime front” and invoking “globalists” and “Soros.” Sabia promotes explicit antisemitic and exclusionary conspiracy theories, while undermining democratic institutions and the equal participation of minority communities in American civic life.
Central Pennsylvania Candidate Evaluations
PA House, District 82
District 82 includes: Part of Centre County, consisting of Benner, Boggs, Burnside, College, Curtin, Harris, Howard, Liberty, Marion, Snow Shoe and Union Townships and Howard, Milesburg, Snow Shoe, State College (part) and Unionville Boroughs.
Paul Takac (D) – Incumbent ⭐
Rep. Paul Takac has spoken out forcefully against antisemitism and has a legislative and public record of support for the Jewish community and other minority communities.
Rep. Paul Takac has served in the Pennsylvania House since 2022. In 2023, after antisemitic messages were distributed outside homes in State College, Takac called them “repugnant and hateful propaganda,” saying, “This is vile, this is unacceptable, and this is un-American.” He has participated in Jewish community events and has publicly marked Jewish holidays and Holocaust remembrance. Takac cosponsored a 2023 resolution condemning the Hamas terror attack.
Kirsten McTernan (R)
Kirsten McTernan has not held public office and has a limited public record.
Kirsten McTernan is a home-schooling parent and author who has not previously held public office. There is limited information available about her positions on antisemitism or extremism.
Finding this information helpful?
Donate today to support our work.
Share this page.