Jewish Republican Senate candidate runs campaign through churches

‘We’re blowing up the playbook,’ says Josh Mandel, who is openly Jewish but is centring his election efforts around evangelical, conservative voters

BEFORE DIGGING INTO his six-egg omelette at a bustling northeast Ohio diner, Republican Senate candidate Josh Mandel stopped to bow his head.

“Bless our food, our time, our conversation, in Jesus’ name,” said Pastor JC Church, who joined Mandel after a campaign event at a local church. ”Amen.”

The scene encapsulated Mandel’s campaign strategy as he competes in a crowded field of Republican contenders ahead of Ohio’s May 3 primary. He is a Jewish candidate who makes no secret of his faith, but who is centering his campaign around evangelical churches as he tries to win over religious, conservative voters.

FULL STORY Jewish GOP Senate candidate Josh Mandel runs campaign through churches (Times of Israel)

Photo: Josh Mandel, a Republican former Ohio treasurer running for an open US Senate seat in Ohio (AP/Jay LaPrete)