Jewish Voter Guide
Jon Husted
U.S. Senate · OH · Republican
Summary
Senator Jon Husted is the Republican nominee in Ohio's 2026 U.S. Senate special election and will face Democratic nominee Sherrod Brown.
Senator Jon Husted's public record includes support for allowing a proposed U.S. defense transfer to Israel to proceed, a hardline approach toward Iran's nuclear program and regional activities, and unequivocal condemnation of Hamas's October 7 attack. He has called for the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, backed stronger sanctions on the Iranian regime, supported Israel's right to defend itself, and called for the release of all remaining hostages and the elimination of Hamas's ability to govern or reconstitute. Husted has also joined bipartisan efforts to combat antisemitism and has questioned university leaders about whether they are adequately protecting Jewish students and holding people accountable for antisemitic conduct. He has highlighted Ohio's Jewish population and said that he intends to support the state's Jewish community and remain a strong voice against violence and hate.
The record
Positions come from public votes, statements and on-the-record interviews. Every claim links to its source. No aggregate score or grade.
Support for a Strong U.S.-Israel Alliance
- On April 15, 2026, Husted voted against motions to discharge S.J. Res. 32 and S.J. Res. 138 from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The resolutions would have advanced congressional disapproval of proposed military sales to Israel, including Caterpillar D9 bulldozers and 1,000-pound bomb bodies. Both motions failed, so the Senate did not advance the efforts to block the sales.
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
- Husted joined a group of Senate Republicans in urging President Trump to seek the full dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program. He stated that Iran's ability to enrich uranium should be permanently eliminated and warned against any new agreement resembling the JCPOA.
Source
Condemning and Combating Terrorism
- Husted cosponsored the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act of 2025. He described Iran as the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism and argued that the United States must cut off the regime's resources as Iranian proxies continue to threaten Israel.
Source
Response to Hamas's October 7 Attack
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On the second anniversary of the October 7 attack, Husted described Hamas's assault as an unprovoked attack against Israel. He reaffirmed support for Israel, called for the release of all remaining hostages, and said that Hamas must be eliminated.
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Husted joined 38 Senate Republicans and Senator John Fetterman in cosponsoring a bipartisan Senate resolution commemorating the second anniversary of the attack. The resolution condemned Hamas, reaffirmed Israel's right to defend itself, called for the release of all hostages, and supported eliminating Hamas's ability to govern or reconstitute.
Fighting Antisemitism
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On April 21, 2026, Husted joined the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism. He said antisemitism had no place in the United States or anywhere in the world and emphasized condemning hate, protecting Jewish communities, strengthening education, and coordinating across party lines.
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He said that his work on the task force would include supporting Jewish communities, strengthening education efforts, and combating antisemitism wherever it appears.
Source
Protecting Jewish Students on Campus
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During a Senate hearing on antisemitism on college campuses, Husted questioned university leaders about their responses to rising antisemitism following the October 7 attack.
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His questions focused on whether universities were adequately protecting Jewish students and holding individuals accountable for antisemitic conduct.
Source
Engagement with the Jewish Community
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Husted has highlighted that Ohio is home to approximately 177,000 Jewish residents and said that his participation in the Senate Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism would allow him to support the state's Jewish community.
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He has emphasized working across party lines to strengthen education efforts, condemn hatred, and address violence targeting Jewish communities. Jewish News Syndicate reported that his office said he intended to remain a strong voice against violence and hate.
Sources
Preventing a Nuclear Iran
Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA)
AlignedOpposed the Iran Deal
Cosponsored bill to bolster sanctions on Iran
Sources
- Cosponsored bill to bolster sanctions on Iran https://www.husted.senate.gov/press-releases/husted-supports-bill-to-bolster-u-s-sanctions-against-iran/
- Supported Israel following the October 7 terror attack by Hamas https://x.com/jonhusted/status/1710669477296161139
- Opposed the antisemitic protests on college campuses in Ohio https://www.wosu.org/2024-04-26/elected-officials-weigh-in-on-pro-palestine-protests-arrests-at-ohio-state-university
A note on methodology. This guide is published as an educational reference. The American Jewish Congress does not endorse candidates and does not publish aggregate scores. If you spot a position that needs an update or a better source, please reach the office.