California Gubernatorial Candidate Sparks Outrage with Antisemitic Conspiracy Theories Linked to Charlie Kirk

A candidate notorious for his antisemitic conspiracy theories has managed to have his inflammatory remarks included in a voter guide distributed to millions of California households, drawing sharp criticism from Jewish organizations.

Don J. Grundmann, who gained attention for his controversial self-description as a “totally peaceful racist” during a 2019 Modesto City Council meeting, is known for promoting theories that claim Israel was responsible for the deaths of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and for orchestrating the 9/11 attacks.

In the voter guide, Grundmann made the assertion, “Kirk murdered by shaped-charge bomb Israel used. Government knows,” sparking backlash and calls to action against California Secretary of State Shirley Weber.

The 64-page guide, which details each candidate’s name, photo, party preference, and personal statement, includes a disclaimer that the “views and opinions expressed by the candidates are their own and do not represent the views and opinions of the Secretary of State’s office.”

Grundmann’s statements escalated further, alleging that Israel is America’s “greatest enemy” and predicting a “suitcase nuke” false flag operation aimed at framing Russia or Iran, ultimately to “permanently end our nation.”

He also claimed that Israel intends to “enslave” non-native populations.

“We are ‘goyim’ (less than human/animals/cattle) that they will enslave,” Grundmann’s statement says. “Talmud — their Bible — says Christ boiling in in [sic] Israel allowed/planned/promoted Hamas attack (they murdered their own people) to justify genocide and steal billion$.”

“Christian Zionism = soul poison. Talmudic ‘Judeo-Christian values’ don’t exist,” the statement said.

Several Jewish or Israel-related groups, including the Jewish Federation of Orange County, the Anti-Defamation League of Orange County and Long Beach, and the Israeli American Council, sent a letter to Weber this week protesting Grundmann’s inclusion in the guide.

“Millions of California voters received an official state publication containing content that should have been disqualified under the State’s own rules,” the letter stated. “Because the Voter Information Guide is a government-issued document, its contents carry a degree of legitimacy and amplification that would not otherwise attach to such material in other forums.”

“By including a statement containing antisemitic tropes and conspiracy theories in an official voter guide, the State has effectively provided a government platform for rhetoric that fuels division and undermines the safety and dignity of Jewish communities,” the letter added.

The secretary of state’s guidelines for candidates include a clause that they must submit a statement that is “true and correct.” It adds that an explanation of how the statement was reviewed and approved is required.

Most candidates’ statements are featured in small print at the bottom of the page, while Grundmann’s shows more prominently and in bold.

Since Jewish groups protested Grundmann’s statement, the webpage showing the guidelines has been taken down, according to the Times of Israel.

Ilana Meirovitch, head of the California-based Jewish Community Action Network (JCAN) advocacy group, criticized Weber to the outlet. Weber was appointed as California’s 30th secretary of state in 2020.

“There is a voter guide, there’s going to be another one for November. Can we trust you that you’re going to do your job next time?” Meirovitch told the Times of Israel. “The issue is, when something like this is printed on government paper by the state, it smacks like you kind of, sort of approved it.”

“Let him spew his hate on social media, on the street corner, but not on government paper,” she added.

Grundmann responded to the California Post with a bizarre conspiratorial rant — most of which The Post could not publish.

“I challenge any and all detractors to a full and complete public debate where all evidence may be brought past our completely censored media so that our citizens may restore our now enslaved Republic,” he said.

Grundmann first made headlines when addressing a meeting of the Modesto City Council over a “straight pride” event he wanted to host in the city.

“We haven’t done anything,” he said in the face of opposition. “We’re a totally peaceful, racist group.”

The California Post contacted Shirley’s office for comment.

California’s primary elections are set to be held in June this year, with the general election in November.

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