LAS VEGAS — The Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual leadership summit kicked off in the blazing heat of Las Vegas on Sunday, with a series of speeches by pro-Israel House members and Senate candidates, including Georgia GOP Senate nominee Mike Collins, North Carolina GOP Senate nominee Michael Whatley and senior GOP lawmakers including Reps. Jim Jordan (R-OH) and Lisa McClain (R-MI). 

The program is set to continue on Monday with video remarks by President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and in-person speeches by other major Republicans in pro-Israel politics. 

But the most anticipated remarks of the day will be one the public won’t be able to see, a closed-door appearance by Vice President JD Vance at a Monday night VIP gala. It will be Vance’s first address to the group as vice president.

Vance is facing what’s likely to be, at minimum, some skeptics in the crowd, given his relationship with antisemitic commentator Tucker Carlson — attendees at last year’s RJC conference brandished “TUCKER IS NOT MAGA” placards — his involvement in peace talks with Iran and his public criticisms of Israel.

The session will be a major test for the vice president in front of large GOP donors and national party activists ahead of his anticipated 2028 presidential run. Vance’s remarks could help soothe fears among pro-Israel Republicans, or they could further fuel their anxieties and prompt them to consider efforts to oppose his candidacy. 

Three Jewish Republican House members who spoke to Jewish Insider on Sunday agreed that it’s a positive sign for both Vance and the RJC that he’s traveling to Las Vegas to make the address.

Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL), who acknowledged that he’s been critical of the vice president at times, told JI he’s “glad that he’s coming” and “interested to hear what he has to say,” adding that the vice president “has a big hill to climb coming into this room” but he hopes for the sake of the Republican Party that Vance is successful.

“He could make his problem better, he could make his problem worse. I have no idea what he’s going to say, but I do think it’s a good thing that he’s coming,” Fine continued. He said that Vance should address “his relationships with evil people, starting with Tucker Carlson … who’s clearly an insane Jew hater.”

Vance’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN) also said he’s “glad that the vice president is here, and I think that that speaks volumes.” He said he expects Vance will address the “strong relationship that the United States has enjoyed with Israel, and that it should continue, and that we need to do what we need to do to ensure that Iran does not get a nuclear weapon.”

Rep. Craig Goldman (R-TX) agreed it’s a good sign that the RJC is welcoming Vance, and predicted that many in the crowd will be surprised by the vice president. “He’s nothing but impressive, he’s smart as a whip and he knows the issues. And so I hope he’s very upfront. … I know he’s going to do a tremendous job, and he’s very direct and very honest. And I know he will be with the RJC as well.”