Nassau County, a historically mixed political battleground, saw a dramatic shift in the 2024 election. Once a stronghold for moderate Democrats, the county’s Jewish voters turned decisively red, driven by concerns over U.S.-Israel relations and broader issues like public safety and economic stability. The shift underscores growing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party’s policies and priorities regarding support for Israel.

Vice President Kamala Harris’s controversial stance on Israel became a focal point during the election. The administration’s response to key issues, such as the Oct. 7th Hamas attacks that killed over 1,200 people and led to the abduction of more than 200 hostages, was widely criticized.

Ongoing U.N. resolutions targeting the Jewish state fueled outrage further. Rather than offering unequivocal support, the Biden-Harris administration often wavered, leading to frustration among supporters of Israel.

This perceived hesitancy reflects a broader pattern. During Netanyahu’s address to Congress, nearly half of the Democratic Congress members, including Harris, boycotted the event. As Vice President and President of the Senate, Harris’s decision not to attend underscored concerns about the administration’s commitment to the U.S.-Israel alliance. These actions prompted many Jewish and pro-Israel voters to question whether the administration truly prioritized this critical relationship.

Harris’s public remarks have also drawn criticism. At a campaign event, she appeared to acknowledge a protester’s claims accusing Israel of genocide and mass child casualties as ‘valid’—allegations that lack evidence and damage Israel’s reputation. Further skepticism arose from her campaign’s mixed messaging: ads in Pennsylvania emphasized strong support for Israel, while those in Michigan—targeting a predominantly Muslim audience—focused on the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

The Democratic National Convention furthered these concerns. Prominent speakers like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders, known for their anti-Israel rhetoric, spoke at the event, leaving many Jewish voters feeling increasingly alienated.

The administration also faced backlash for its handling of rising antisemitism on U.S. college campuses. Antisemitic incidents in the U.S. grew by 34% in 2024, according to the Anti-Defamation League, marking the third consecutive year of increases. On campuses, protests against Israel often devolved into hostility toward Jewish students.

“Vice President Harris herself praised antisemitic campus protesters, while her husband appeared to pander inauthentically,” Alan Dershowitz, a prominent advocate for Israel and civil liberties lawyer, said. “Many Jewish voters feel the Democratic Party has abandoned them, and I agree—I no longer feel at home in my former party.”

In contrast, Donald Trump’s presidency strongly resonated with Jewish voters. His administration recognized Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, relocated the U.S. Embassy there in 2018, and oversaw the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations. These moves transformed Israel’s relationship with the U.S.

Moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem fulfilled a decades-old promise made by multiple presidents but never acted upon. Trump’s decision showcased a bold commitment to Israel and a tangible shift from symbolic gestures to concrete action. Similarly, the Abraham Accords marked the first major diplomatic breakthrough in the Middle East in over 25 years. This unprecedented agreement fostered economic, cultural, and security collaborations, redefining regional alliances.

“The Republican Party understands the importance of standing firmly with Israel,” said Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips. “Ignoring Israel’s significance to the Jewish people is mind-boggling. Israel serves as the protector and a haven for us.”

Nassau County’s 2024 electoral map reflected the shift. Neighborhoods like Great Neck and Woodmere, home to large Jewish populations, pivoted sharply away from the Democratic party.

Republicans like Daniel Norber achieved historic wins. Norber’s campaign, focused on support for Israel and combating antisemitism, resonated deeply. He became the first Republican in over 50 years to win a New York State Assembly seat in the Town of North Hempstead, representing the 16th District.

Exit polls highlighted the trend. In New York, for example, Donald Trump received approximately 45% of the Jewish vote in 2024, up from 30% in 2020—a 50% increase.

But support for Israel is not confined to religious or cultural lines. Israel remains a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, countering terrorism and driving technological innovation that benefits the American economy. Trade between the U.S. and Israel exceeded $50.6 billion in 2022, underscoring the economic importance of their partnership.

“Israel Is the only democratic state that protects the United States against chaos in the Middle East,” Philips said.

Antisemitism in the U.S. continues to rise. The ADL documented more than 3,800 incidents in 2024, the highest number since tracking began. College campuses became epicenters of anti-Israel activism. Groups like Students for Justice in Palestine led protests described by Jewish students as intimidating.

Remarks from prominent Democrats, such as Rep. Ilhan Omar, often surfaced at these protests, intensifying the situation. Jewish students felt the Democratic Party tolerated antisemitism, fueling their frustrations.

Beyond concerns about Israel, broader issues have influenced voter decisions. In Nassau County, major crimes spiked by 41% in 2022, contributing to a 38% increase from 2019 to 2022. Nationally, food prices rose by 2.4% over the past year, adding economic pressure on families.

“It’s not just about Israel,” Phillips said. “Jewish voters, like others in Nassau County, were also concerned about crime, inflation, and government overreach.”

The 2024 election in Nassau County reflects a national trend of shifting political allegiances. For many Jewish Americans, it marked a turning point as they sought alignment with a party supporting their cultural heritage and national interests. Jewish voters were attracted to the Republican Party’s commitment to Israel and its focus on safety and economic stability.

As the chaos from the election concludes, the message is clear: for voters in Nassau County, protecting the U.S.-Israel alliance was worth crossing party lines. As evidenced by the results, when core values like unwavering support for Israel are at stake, they will overshadow dissatisfaction with a candidate. The election results ultimately reaffirm the commitment to principle over preference.