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California State Senator Anthony Portantino, associated with the “Portantino for Senate” political committees, has a documented relationship with the Israel lobby and has engaged in pro-Israel advocacy. While specific financial contributions from a “Portantino for Senate 2020” committee to pro-Israel groups were not found in the provided search results, evidence indicates his receipt of support from and alignment with pro-Israel organizations and their advocacy positions.
During his political career, including his recent 2024 congressional campaign, Anthony Portantino received “Strong Support” from Democrats for Israel Los Angeles (DFI-LA) for his California’s 30th Congressional District campaign. DFI-LA is an organization that bases its endorsements on candidates’ support for the State of Israel, their record in combating antisemitism, their efforts in Holocaust education, and their commitment to ensuring that ethnic studies curricula in public schools are neither antisemitic nor anti-Israel.
Portantino also participated in a forum hosted by the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) and its Southern California chapter. In this forum, candidates addressed questions designed to assess their support for “values important to Jewish Democrats”. Among the positions expressed by Portantino and other participating candidates were support for a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians, and a denouncement of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
Furthermore, in the context of rising antisemitism, Portantino stated his role in influencing legislation concerning an ethnic studies curriculum in California. He indicated that he helped ensure the curriculum did not explicitly condemn antisemitism and that supplementary material was added. The Jewish Public Affairs Committee (JPAC), which acts as an advocate in Sacramento for the Jewish community’s concerns and shared values, has also listed Senator Anthony Portantino among California Senators demonstrating solidarity with Israel.
| Candidate | Years | Direct Contributions | Behested Payments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catherine Blakespear | 2021 | $4,900 | $0 |
| Anna Caballero | 2017 | $4,400 | $0 |
| Susan Rubio | 2017 | $3,000 | $0 |