AIPAC Raises $233 Million to Influence U.S. Elections

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has pivoted its strategy toward aggressive spending in U.S. political campaigns to secure a Congress that supports Israel and opposes Iran. Through its super PAC, the United Democracy Project, the organization raised $233 million to fund allies and target perceived opponents, specifically focusing on progressive Democrats during primary elections.

This electoral push has seen mixed results. AIPAC spent $33 million in an unsuccessful attempt to defeat Dr. Abdul El-Sayed in a Michigan Democratic Senate primary and invested $2.3 million against Democrat Tom Malinowski in New Jersey. Despite these losses, leadership describes the effort as a generational fight.

The shift toward partisan spending has polarized the organization, alienating some longtime donors and allies. Critics, including former ambassador Daniel Shapiro, argue that this approach undermines the traditionally bipartisan nature of the U.S.-Israel relationship. However, AIPAC leadership remains committed to the strategy, maintaining that the spending is necessary to combat threats to Israeli security.