By Stan Caplan in San Diego
I have run for Congress twice before — as a Republican in 2022 and as an Independent. My core values have never changed. I am a strong supporter of Israel’s right to defend itself and a believer in the unbreakable bond between the United States and the Jewish state.
Today, I am running again in California’s 51st District as a Democrat — not because my positions have shifted, but because the district’s harsh political math demands a realistic path to victory. In this heavily Democratic district, the only way to have a genuine chance of defeating far-left progressive incumbent Sara Jacobs is to compete in the Democratic primary. I am entering that primary as the
Trojan Horse for Common Sense — open and transparent about my strategy — to fight from the inside for policies that prioritize security, prosperity, and the values that strengthen both Israel and our own community.
Both major parties have fallen into a dangerous pattern: resorting to name-calling instead of working together, and prioritizing ideological purity over compromise and civility. Civility
in public discourse is essential, especially on matters as grave as Israel’s security and the future of our Jewish community. When leaders attack each other personally rather than debating ideas, we all lose — and Israel’s strongest ally, the United States, becomes weaker and more divided.
My positions on Israel are clear and unwavering. I support Israel’s right to defend itself decisively against Hamas, Hezbollah, and any other terrorist groups that seek its destruction. I do not believe a two-state solution is viable or responsible until Hamas, Hezbollah, and all military opponents are completely disarmed and deradicalized. Only then can lasting peace and security be possible for Israelis, Palestinians, and the entire region. The recent conflict with Iran and its proxies has only reinforced this reality: a strong, secure Israel makes the world safer.
In contrast, incumbent Sara Jacobs has repeatedly taken positions that undermine strong, unconditional support for Israel. She voted against the Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act in 2023, signed a letter urging President Biden to pause additional
weapons shipments to Israel in 2024, opposed key measures to combat antisemitism on campuses using the IHRA definition, and has advocated for a bilateral ceasefire even as hostages remained in Hamas captivity. She has also expressed support for a two-state solution without first requiring the disarmament of terrorist organizations. These positions weaken Israel’s ability to defend itself and embolden its enemies.
As a candidate who understands the stakes, I will be a consistent, reliable voice in Congress for robust U.S. military aid to Israel, opposition to Iran’s nuclear ambitions and proxy wars, and policies that reject any equivalence between a democratic ally and terrorist groups.
Beyond Israel, I am committed to the broader issues that affect San Diego’s Jewish community and all working families: lowering crushing utility and water bills, restoring safe streets, protecting parental rights in education, ensuring fairness in women’s sports, and securing our border while treating people humanely.
I am not asking anyone to abandon their principles. I am asking voters — across all parties — to recognize that name-calling and division have failed us. Civility, compromise where possible, and a laser focus on security and prosperity must return to our politics.
The San Diego Jewish community deserves a representative who will stand firmly with Israel, reject antisemitism in all forms, and work across divides with civility and purpose. I am that candidate.
For more on my platform and record, please visit caplanforcongress.com. I respectfully ask for your support on June 2nd so we can defeat the far-left progressive policies that have weakened our security and bring common sense, strength, and unity back to Washington.
Together, we can ensure a safer Israel, a stronger America, and a better future for our children and grandchildren.
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Stan Caplan is in the insurance business and is a candidate in California’s 51st CD.