Jewish Army Veteran Aims To Unseat Tennessee Senator

Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
A Jewish veteran of the Iraq War has thrown his hat into the race to challenge Republican Sen. Bob Corker of Tennessee.
James Mackler is the first candidate to announce he is entering the state’s Democratic primary ahead of the 2018 elections. His announcement video, released last month, highlights his military service as a Blackhawk helicopter pilot with the 101st Airborne Division.
Mackler, now an attorney, is married to Rabbi Shana Goldstein Mackler of The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom in Nashville.
The Democratic race is only beginning to take shape, and Mackler’s chances of winning the primary are still unclear. But even if he does prevail, he will face a formidable task in challenging Corker, a popular incumbent who has easily won his previous reelection bids in this red state.
Contact Nathan Guttman at [email protected] or on Twitter @nathanguttman
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
