Bob Smith
R · U.S. House, CA-24 · Tier 1/2
Tier 1/2, between “Firmly pro-Israel” and “Mainstream pro-Israel”
A retired Navy commander and engineering fellow at a defense contractor challenging Rep. Salud Carbajal, he runs on home ownership, “Peace through Strength” military technology and bringing space, AI and fusion-energy jobs to the district. Asked in iVoterGuide’s 2026 general-election questionnaire whether the U.S. relationship with Israel is important, Smith answered: “Yes. Israel is a critical ally in a volatile region and shares democratic values with the United States. Our partnership enhances security, intelligence cooperation, and regional stability. A strong alliance also means supporting long-term peace and security for the region.”
A 1/2, on a thin record: one questionnaire answer. Asked by iVoterGuide in 2026 whether the U.S. relationship with Israel is important, Smith called Israel “a critical ally in a volatile region” that “shares democratic values with the United States.” That is unqualified support, with nothing on aid, weapons, Gaza or Palestinian civilians. His Ballotpedia survey and campaign site (issues, op-eds, news) never state a view on Israel or Gaza; the only Israel mention on the site is in a reposted news interview with Carbajal, not his own words. There is no leadership on the issue: no vote, bill or other act on Israel is on record. Counter-case: unrated until he says more.
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elect26 places 2026 midterm candidates on a six-tier spectrum, from 1 (most pro-Israel) to 6 (most critical of Israel).