A Jewish guide to the 2020 presidential challengers

Here’s what you need to know about the presidential contenders, from their ties to the Jewish community to their stances on Israel.

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(JTA) — The field of 2020 presidential contenders is a crowded one, to say the least.

We have put together a series of articles that explore the candidates’ (and potential candidates’) Jewish connections — from those who identify as Jews, or are married to one, to candidates who are not Jewish but have ties to the community in different ways. We also explore their views on Israel.

Below are links to articles, sorted alphabetically, that our staff has written about some of the political contenders, mostly those seeking the Democratic nomination. This list will be updated as additional candidates join the fray.

Cory Booker

Cory Booker

Sen. Cory Booker, D-NJ. (Alex Edelman/Getty Images)

The junior senator from New Jersey has long cultivated support in the Jewish community. Read more on Cory Booker here.

Pete Buttigieg

Mayor Pete Buttigieg,South Bend, Indiana. (City of South Bend)

The mayor of South Bend, Indiana, worries that support for Israel will be seen as a partisan issue. Read more on Pete Buttigieg here.

Kirsten Gillibrand

Kirsten Gillibrand

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY). (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

She’s tight with her Jewish colleagues but made some enemies when she pushed for Al Franken to step down. Read more on Kirsten Gillibrand here. 

Kamala Harris

Kamala Harris

Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.). (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The California senator has a Jewish husband and a centrist approach to Israel. Read more on Kamala Harris here.

John Hickenlooper

Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

As governor of Colorado, the self-described “extreme moderate” took part in an emotional trip to Israel and counts a Jewish Republican businessman as a close associate. Read more on John Hickenlooper here.

Amy Klobuchar

Amy Klobuchar

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). (Theo Wargo/Getty Images for DGA)

The senator and former prosecutor, said to be “ubiquitous” in the Minnesota Jewish community, is seen as an alternative to more left-wing candidates from the coasts. Read more on Amy Klobuchar here.

Beto O’Rourke

Beto O’Rourke attends the “Running with Beto” premiere at the SXSW Conference and Festivals at Paramount Theatre in Austin, Texas, March 9, 2019. (Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)

The Democrat from Texas angered pro-Israel activists with a 2014 vote against funding for the Iron Dome and according to one report he claimed he has some Jewish ancestry. Read more about Beto O’Rourke here.

Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sanders

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

The Vermont Independent and the first Jewish candidate to win major-party nominating contests is trying again. Read more on Bernie Sanders here.

Howard Schultz  

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The Jewish Democrat and former Starbucks CEO has said he would run as an Independent. Read more on Howard Schultz here.

Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Elizabeth Warren

Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.). (Zach Gibson/Getty Images)

The J Street endorsee has defended Israel to her liberal base, while criticizing Prime Minister Netanyahu. Read more on Elizabeth Warren here.

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