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1. What do you believe are the biggest threats facing Jewish Americans today?
Chris Pappas
The rise of antisemitism, bigotry, and threats against Jewish Americans has been alarming and demands action at the highest level to protect our families, friends, and communities from harm. In America, we should be free to express our political beliefs and opinions, but we should never allow political disagreements with the Israeli government to give individuals license to target all Jews. I remain committed to standing against antisemitism and hatred and ensuring that all people can live, work, and worship free from fear and violence.
Maggie Goodlander
The alarming rise in antisemitism, hate-fueled violence, and intimidation is the most serious threat to the safety and religious freedom of Jewish Americans in my lifetime. According to the ADL, there were at least 6,274 antisemitic incidents in 2025 – an average of 17 every day, including 203 assaults and 3 murders. No one should have to fear for their safety because of their faith or identity, and we must confront antisemitism wherever it appears, including in our schools, communities, online platforms, and public institutions. I have no higher priority than keeping the people of New Hampshire safe, and that is why I am working to use every tool at my disposal to combat the scourge of antisemitism and the rising violence and threats of violence against Jewish communities across our state and our country.
Cinde Warmington
It has been appalling to see the alarming rise in antisemitic harassment and violence. No family should have to wonder whether it’s safe to go to synagogue, send their kids to school, or be openly Jewish in their community. As governor, I’ll condemn antisemitism whenever and however it presents and make sure our state police, schools, synagogues, and community organizations have the resources they need to combat antisemitism.
2. What policies would you support to address antisemitism on college campuses, in schools, and in public spaces?
Chris Pappas
No student should feel unsafe, unwelcome, or in danger because of their religious beliefs. That is why I have spoken out forcefully against the alarming rise of antisemitism across America and voted to provide resources to safeguard American synagogues and houses of worship. I led a bipartisan effort condemning antisemitic celebrities and public figures and voted to pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act. I have denounced antisemitic attacks against Jewish students on college campuses, including hate speech, harassment, intimidation, and even threats of violence, and condemned members of Congress of my own party for the use of antisemitic language and the danger it creates.
Maggie Goodlander
In Congress, I have cosponsored the Antisemitism Awareness Act and the bipartisan Jewish American Security Act (H.R. 9211), which would require every school receiving federal funds to designate a Title VI coordinator and adopt clear procedures for investigating discrimination, create an Antisemitism Coordinator at the U.S. Department of Education, and require social media platforms to disclose how they handle antisemitic content. I also cosponsor the Safe Schools Improvement Act (H.R. 1810), which would require school codes of conduct to prohibit bullying and harassment based on religion. And I strongly support the Pray Safe Act and SACRED Act to improve security resources for houses of worship and protect people from intimidation while practicing their faith. Peaceful protest is protected by the First Amendment; threats, intimidation, and blocking a family from entering a synagogue are not protected speech – they violate the fundamental freedoms that the First Amendment protects.
Cinde Warmington
Every student deserves to learn without being harassed or threatened because of their religious affiliation. I’d work with our public universities and school districts on developing clear anti-harassment policies that are fully enforced, along with ways for students and families to report antisemitic incidents. I would also support comprehensive Holocaust and genocide education and training for educators.
3. What should the U.S. relationship with Israel look like during your term in office?
Chris Pappas
In these trying times, it is critical that U.S. support for Israel remains steadfast and bipartisan. We cannot let political games undermine our relationship with the only democracy in the Middle East. I support providing assistance to Israel to safeguard against ongoing terror attacks from groups like Hamas, including defensive efforts like Israel’s Iron Dome missile shield. We can support our ally while having disagreements, and I hope that the Israeli people elect new leadership that is focused on moving towards peace and on safety and security for all. America must continue to encourage peace efforts in the region as we work toward the ultimate goal of a two-state solution.
Maggie Goodlander
My support for Israel’s right to exist and defend itself as a Jewish and democratic state is ironclad, and I’ve backed it with action, including requesting $500 million in FY27 for Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow. I believe in and am working to support a secure, democratic, Jewish state of Israel living in peace and security alongside an independent Palestinian state where the human rights, dignity, and self-determination of all citizens in both states are guaranteed and safeguarded. The Israeli people and all people deserve to be free from the threats posed by Iran and its terrorist proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah, and the Palestinian people deserve peace and the reconstruction of Gaza. The relationship between the United States and Israel must be grounded in shared interests, shared principles, and mutual accountability. And we must carry those imperatives into ongoing negotiations over the future of our security partnership.
Cinde Warmington
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4. How would you approach disagreements with the Israeli government while maintaining a strong U.S.-Israel relationship?
Chris Pappas
I have fundamental disagreements with the current Israeli government, and I believe the actions of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are not in the best interests of the safety and security of Israel or of the United States.
America can stand with its close ally while also having difficult conversations and holding our friends to account when necessary. Israel will hold an election this year, and it is my hope that the people choose a new leader who puts the best interests of all those in the region first.
I have consistently called for a ceasefire, for the defeat of Hamas, for the Israeli military to pull back, and for the free flow of humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza. I believe the leadership of Israel should work towards those same goals as well as the ultimate goal of a two-state solution that provides security for Israel and self-determination for the Palestinian people.
Maggie Goodlander
Strong allies must speak honestly with one another. I will continue supporting Israel's security, especially the missile defense systems that protect civilians, while insisting on accountability for American taxpayer dollars and raising concerns about policies that undermine peace, security, and human dignity, including unilateral annexation and settler violence in the West Bank. I will also stand up for Israel when it is treated unfairly. Disagreements with an Israeli government should never be confused with a lack of commitment to Israel's security.
Cinde Warmington
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5. What should U.S. policy be toward Hamas and other organizations designated as terrorist groups?
Chris Pappas
The United States must stand strong with our allies against organizations like Hamas, use every tool available to degrade their terrorist capabilities, and bring about an end to their heinous campaigns of terror.
America must also hold accountable nations like Iran, which for decades have supported and sponsored terror groups. That is why I called on the Biden Administration to freeze $6 billion in Iranian assets held by Qatar and to put in place further sanctions that would help limit support for Hamas.
Maggie Goodlander
The United States must remain resolute in confronting Hamas and other terrorist organizations that threaten innocent lives and the security of civilians across the Middle East and beyond. On October 7, 2023, Hamas carried out the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust; it must be disarmed and can never again govern Gaza or threaten Israelis. I support strong defensive cooperation against threats from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran, I cosponsor the Enhanced Iran Sanctions Act to choke off the oil revenue that funds Iran's terror proxies. A nuclear-armed Iran is intolerable. We must also work toward a durable peace that ends incitement, including “pay-to-slay” payments, and protects Israeli security and Palestinian human rights and self-determination.
Cinde Warmington
Not applicable
6. What would you do as a state official to ensure Jewish New Hampshire residents can express their identity safely and without intimidation?
Chris Pappas
Every Granite Stater must be able to practice their faith in their houses of worship without fearing for their safety. I was proud to help secure federal funding for New Hampshire houses of worship that helped improve security and ensure that worshipers do not fear violent attacks.
I have also spoken out forcefully against antisemitism and bigotry and will continue to do so because there is absolutely no place for that kind of hatred in the state of New Hampshire. In the Senate I will continue to fight for funding and support to keep the Jewish community and houses of worship safe.
Maggie Goodlander
As a Member of Congress, I strongly support the Pray Safe Act, which creates a one-stop federal clearinghouse at the Department of Homeland Security so houses of worship can find security best practices and grant opportunities, and the SACRED Act, which establishes a 100-foot safe-access zone around houses of worship so no one can intimidate or obstruct worshippers, while fully protecting peaceful protest. I also cosponsor the Jewish American Security Act to strengthen security for Jewish institutions and communities, including by expanding the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to $1 billion a year and requiring annual FBI and DHS assessments of antisemitic threats. Every Granite Stater deserves to practice their faith openly and safely.
Cinde Warmington
State and local law enforcement must partner hand-in-hand with Jewish institutions on security planning, threat assessments, and incident response. I would help synagogues, schools, and community centers obtain the security funding they need, while ensuring hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
7. What would you say to Jewish voters in New Hampshire who are concerned about rising antisemitism?
Chris Pappas
I understand the concern that Jewish voters in New Hampshire feel about rising antisemitism. The rise in instances of antisemitism has been alarming, and we must speak with one voice against the rise in hatred and bigotry and stand with members of the Jewish community in solidarity. I will continue to speak out against those who use antisemitic and hateful rhetoric and will continue to work to secure resources to bolster the safety and security of our houses of worship.
Maggie Goodlander
At a moment in which more than half of Jewish Americans report experiencing antisemitism, and more than half are concerned for their personal safety, I have no higher priority than keeping the people of New Hampshire safe, and that is why I am working to use every tool at my disposal to combat the scourge of antisemitism and the rising violence and threats of violence against Jewish communities across our state and our country.
Antisemitism is unacceptable, and condemnation must lead to action against threats, harassment, and violence targeting Jewish Americans. My commitment is reflected in my support for legislation protecting Jewish communities, strengthening religious freedom, and combating antisemitism, and in my promise to keep showing up and standing up for the Jewish American community.
Cinde Warmington
I will make it clear to Jewish Granite Staters that there will be zero tolerance for any act of antisemitism, and I will always have a vocal advocate against any act of hate directed towards the Jewish community. My door will always be open towards our state’s Jewish community and I will work with them directly to clamp down on the alarming rise in antisemitism.
8. What would you do if members of your own party promoted antisemitic rhetoric?
Chris Pappas
I have spoken out strongly against members of my own party who have promoted antisemitic rhetoric and held them accountable through censures and other official actions in the House of Representatives. There is absolutely no place for that kind of antisemitism or bigotry in our political and public life, and I will never hesitate to speak out and take action when anyone uses threatening language or rhetoric that could potentially incite harm against Jewish Americans.
Maggie Goodlander
I will always condemn antisemitism unequivocally and publicly, regardless of political party. There can be no double standard when it comes to hatred or intimidation targeting Jewish Americans, and antisemitism on the left is no more acceptable than antisemitism on the right. Political disagreements never excuse antisemitic rhetoric. While disagreeing with the policies or decisions of a government is legitimate debate, invoking antisemitic tropes, harassing worshippers outside a synagogue, or holding Jewish Americans collectively responsible for Israel’s actions is not.
Cinde Warmington
There is no room for antisemitic rhetoric. I will condemn these appalling acts of hatred directly and publicly — regardless of who said it. Antisemitism isn’t a partisan issue, and leaders rightfully lose credibility when they condemn instances of hate expressed only by those on the other side.
9. Can you identify one specific policy you would pursue to combat antisemitism?
Chris Pappas
I supported the Antisemitism Awareness Act to combat the rising instances of antisemitism, and I helped secure over $2 million to improve the safety and security of New Hampshire’s places of worship. I will always fight for federal funding to bolster public safety and meet the needs of our communities.
Maggie Goodlander
I cosponsor the Antisemitism Awareness Act and am pushing to pass it. It would strengthen enforcement of federal anti-discrimination protections in educational institutions by incorporating the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's definition of antisemitism. The need is urgent: the ADL recorded 825 antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools and 583 on college campuses in 2025. I believe schools and universities must be places where Jewish students can learn without discrimination or harassment, and institutions that look the other way must be held accountable.
Cinde Warmington
As an Executive Councilor, I helped approve federal Nonprofit Security Grants, and I will be an aggressive advocate to ensure New Hampshire receives every available federal security dollar available to protect synagogues and other houses of worship. Too often, many smaller congregations fail to apply for security funding because the process is complicated and they don’t have sufficient staff supply. As governor, I would direct the New Hampshire Department of Safety to actively do outreach and hands-on application help, so every eligible Jewish institution in the state can compete for these funds. I will also work directly with our Congressional Delegation to ensure that these resources flow into our communities.
10. If elected, will you meet regularly with Jewish constituents and New Hampshire Jewish community organizations to hear their concerns about antisemitism, religious freedom, Israel, and community security?
Chris Pappas
I will continue to regularly meet with members of New Hampshire’s Jewish community to stand with them and be their voice in the U.S. Senate.
Throughout this campaign and in my previous campaigns, I have had the opportunity to join candidate forums sponsored by temples in Manchester and Nashua. I have joined town hall meetings with the Southern NH Jewish Men's Club on several occasions, and I serve in Congress as a member of the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance.
In November 2023, just weeks after the October 7th attacks, I stood alongside members of Laconia’s Jewish community at Temple B'nai Israel to mark the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht and reaffirm our commitment against antisemitism, bigotry, and hatred. And I was honored to speak at the Federation’s October 7th Commemoration at the State House on the first anniversary of the barbaric attacks.
Maggie Goodlander
Absolutely and unequivocally: yes. Listening directly to and working alongside Jewish Granite Staters and community organizations is essential to my job, and it ensures your voices inform my work in Congress. I always welcome and will continue to actively encourage regular meetings, open dialogue, and continued cooperation on working together to combat antisemitism, promote religious freedom, ensure community security, and strengthen U.S.–Israel relations. My door is always open and my team and I will always be here for you.
Cinde Warmington
Yes. I’ll meet regularly with Jewish community leaders, congregations, and organizations across the state, and I’ll make sure my office has a clear point of contact for community security concerns. Good policy starts with listening, and I want to hear directly from Granite Staters.
Concluding remarks: Is there anything else you would like the Jewish community of New Hampshire to know?
Chris Pappas
I have traveled to Israel three times: first as a part of an educational seminar, second with a group of friends as a tourist, and third with then-Majority Leader Hoyer and my fellow freshman House colleagues.
On the educational trips, I saw how Israelis face down security threats as part of their daily lives. We toured the border region in the Golan where ISIS fighters held territory over the horizon in the failed state of Syria. We looked over the hills in Lebanon across Israel's northern border where Hezbollah operates with the support of Iran. We also toured the Kibbutz K’far Aza near Sderot, which was on the receiving end of regular rocket attacks by Hamas prior to their visit. K’far Aza was one of the kibbutzes targeted on October 7th, and it breaks my heart to know some of the people I met there did not survive and others lost dear friends and family members.
I returned as a tourist just a few months after my first visit, because I wanted to continue exploring Israel, its history, and its culture. The country I experienced was modern, innovative, and a beacon of hope for a peaceful, dynamic future in the region. As a member of the LGBTQ community, I am grateful that Israel is a tolerant nation that is a haven for gay Arabs and Jews alike who seek to live a full life in the Middle East with the protection of the law and the respect of their community.
Maggie Goodlander
I believe deeply that every person deserves to live and worship free from fear, and for me that belief is personal. Working for Congressman Tom Lantos, the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was my first job in government. He taught me that “the veneer of civilization is paper thin. We are its guardians, and we can never rest.” I have since visited Israel more than a dozen times, as a student, during my service in government, and most recently to celebrate the wedding of one of my dearest friends, who made Aliyah more than a decade ago. Israel is the historic homeland of the Jewish people and the birthplace of many faiths, including my own, and as a foreign policy advisor to Senator Joe Lieberman, I was privileged to witness the bipartisan tradition of standing with Israel. Here at home, I share the Federation’s commitment to the full breadth of Jewish life in our state: keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive through education, ensuring Holocaust survivors can age with dignity, and protecting the Medicaid, SNAP, and housing programs that so many families depend upon. I will continue standing up for the safety, dignity, and religious freedom of Jewish Granite Staters, and for lasting peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
Cinde Warmington
I'm running for Governor because I believe New Hampshire should be a place where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead, not just get by. Across our state, families are struggling with the rising costs of housing, groceries, electricity, health care, and property taxes. I've spent my career fighting for Granite Staters — as both a health care attorney and the lone Democrat on the Executive Council — and I know we can do better. New Hampshire deserves a governor who will put working families first, bring down costs, and make sure our children and grandchildren can afford to build their futures right here in New Hampshire.
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