RNC Chairman: GOP Ready to Defy History in Midterms as Democrats Embrace Radical Left

Republican National Committee Chairman Joe Gruters says the GOP is positioned to defy historical trends in the upcoming midterm elections, pointing to what he calls the Democratic Party's embrace of radical, anti-Israel candidates as a key advantage for Republicans.

Speaking with Breitbart News at the 2026 Republican Jewish Coalition National Leadership Summit on August 31, Gruters argued that Democrats have allowed antisemitism to fester within their ranks while Republicans have actively rejected it.

Democrats 'embrace' radical candidates, Gruters says

Gruters specifically called out New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, describing him as one of the most antisemitic figures in American politics. He warned that Jewish voters face a critical decision about whether the Democratic Party still represents their values.

“These leftist radicals are winning from coast to coast. It's not just New York City... But these guys are being led by them. They're winning these campaigns. And yes, at some point, the remaining Jewish voters are going to have to decide if the Democrat Party truly represents them,” Gruters said.

He added that there is “no such thing as a moderate Democrat anymore.”

Republicans welcome Jewish community, chairman says

Gruters emphasized that President Donald Trump and the GOP view the Jewish community as friends and allies, and that all Jews have a place in the Republican Party.

“I think it's only a matter of time before the rest of them wake up and say, 'Listen, if we're going to continue to survive as a population, be successful as a community, we have to go to the party that reflects us,'” he said.

Breitbart Editor-in-Chief Alex Marlow described the Democrats' shift as a “historic opportunity” for Republicans, but also one that carries high stakes.

Midterm outlook: GOP confident despite narrow margins

Gruters expressed optimism about Republican chances in November, crediting President Trump's early endorsements for building a bench of “MAGA warriors” ready to compete across the country.

He noted that Democrats have fielded roughly 40 Democratic Socialists of America candidates at the federal level, many of whom he described as outside the mainstream.

“I think we have a chance to defy history in November. I actually think we're in great shape,” Gruters said.

On the Senate map, Gruters predicted Republicans will hold their 53-47 majority, including key seats in Texas, Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska. He also expressed confidence in Mike Rogers defeating Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and former New Hampshire Gov. John Sununu winning his Senate race.

House races and financial advantage

Despite holding only a three-seat majority in the House, Gruters said Republicans are in a stronger position than the numbers suggest. He pointed to Cook Political Report data showing 19 toss-up seats, with GOP candidates performing well in those races.

Gruters also highlighted the party's financial strength, saying Republicans have “the most cash on hand in the history of the party” and are poised to outspend Democrats for the first time in modern history.

Trump's role and the path forward

The RNC chairman said the party will focus on touting President Trump's achievements in his second term and addressing the concerns of everyday Americans. He mentioned plans for roughly 30 rallies across the country, calling Trump the GOP's “secret weapon” for galvanizing low-propensity voters.

“I think the American people will reject extremism on November 3,” Gruters said.

The midterm elections are scheduled for November 3, 2026.