As the Democratic Party gears up for the presidential race in two years, it has made the decision to reject donations from the American Israel Political Action Committee (AIPAC).
Several Democratic candidates have already declined contributions from pro-Israel political groups. Notable examples include:
- Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who accepted a significant donation from AIPAC just last December, has now opted out of further contributions from them.
- California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) claims he has never accepted AIPAC donations and plans to continue that stance.
- Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) has pledged to “no longer accept AIPAC funds.”
- A spokesperson for Governor Josh Shapiro (D-Pennsylvania) indicated that the governor “has never sought or accepted money from AIPAC.”
- A representative for Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) stated, “AIPAC has never contributed to Governor Beshear, nor do they intend to in the future.”
AIPAC has become somewhat of a liability in Democratic circles, mainly because many of its members are critical of the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some Democrats, who previously had close ties with AIPAC, feel the organization has aligned itself increasingly with Netanyahu’s right-wing agenda.
Mark Longbaum, a Democratic strategist who assisted in Senator Bernie Sanders’ (I-VT) 2016 campaign, remarked, “This issue will be a major topic in the 2027-2028 primaries. The changing demographics of the electorate have significantly altered the party’s dynamics. Israeli politics have also transformed.”
AIPAC reportedly spent $22 million on the recent Illinois primary, with mixed outcomes. Billionaire Governor JB Pritzker criticized the organization for being pro-Trump.
“I don’t believe anyone should take PAC money from anyone,” Booker stated, emphasizing that their withdrawal from AIPAC funding aligns with a broader strategy to avoid all PAC donations.
Gallego asserted that receiving funds from AIPAC equates to “supporting what’s happening” in places like Iran and Gaza. He added that, despite the many prominent progressives who have clashed with AIPAC, potential White House contenders seem hesitant to address the issue directly.
“Progressives such as Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), known for their criticism of the Israeli government, have accused AIPAC of undermining their campaigns,” noted a source. Others, like Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), were more direct in their response to Politico.
Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) took a more evasive approach when asked if he would turn down AIPAC support, simply stating, “I have supporters.” Similar non-responses came from former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Senators Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) and Jon Ossoff (D-Georgia), among others.
Delin Souza, a spokesperson for AIPAC, commented, “Efforts to push pro-Israel Democrats out of the political conversation are concerning and frankly undemocratic.”
Patrick Dorton, a spokesman for AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, said, “We aim to collaborate with mainstream Democrats across the board, including those running for president, to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations.” He reminded everyone that there are millions of pro-Israel Democratic voters who play a role in federal elections.
