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AIPAC Enters Democratic Primary Fights

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. 2/02/aipac-enters-democratic-primary-fights.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, February 2nd 2026 at 8:08 GMT by The Hill
      Locales: UNITED STATES, ISRAEL

Washington D.C. - February 2, 2026 - The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is undergoing a noticeable strategic shift, actively intervening in Democratic primary races across the nation. This marks a departure from its traditionally behind-the-scenes lobbying approach, sparking considerable debate and raising questions about the extent of its political influence. The organization, long considered a powerful force in shaping US foreign policy toward Israel, is now directly endorsing candidates and allocating significant financial resources to primary contests - a move aimed squarely at bolstering pro-Israel voices within the Democratic Party.

Historically, AIPAC focused its efforts on general elections, supporting candidates from both parties who demonstrated strong commitment to the US-Israel relationship. However, with the rise of a more progressive wing within the Democratic party openly questioning long-held assumptions about Israeli policy and the Palestinian issue, AIPAC appears to be proactively seeking to ensure that candidates aligned with its views survive the primary gauntlet. This change in strategy has been particularly noticeable in key swing states like Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where competitive primary battles are underway.

Recent examples of this new approach include over $100,000 spent in the Michigan Democratic primary, directly supporting candidates perceived as staunch supporters of Israel. AIPAC also threw its weight behind Representative Elissa Slotkin's Senate bid, a significant endorsement given the scrutiny Slotkin has faced from pro-Palestinian groups. This move signals AIPAC's willingness to support candidates even if they are already facing criticism for their positions on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"They are now actively trying to shape the electorate, not just influence individual legislators," explains Bryan Leib, President of George Mason University's Israel Policy Institute. "This is a fundamental shift. For decades, AIPAC operated largely as a reactive force, responding to legislative threats. Now, they are taking the offensive, attempting to ensure the right candidates even get to the general election."

The context for this strategic pivot is crucial. The Democratic Party is increasingly fractured on the issue of Israel. While strong bipartisan support for Israel once existed, progressive lawmakers like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders have been vocal in their criticism of Israeli policies, advocating for greater Palestinian rights and conditioning aid to Israel on human rights considerations. This internal division presents a challenge for AIPAC, which sees maintaining a strong US-Israel relationship as vital to American interests. Polling data from late 2025 indicates a growing generational gap, with younger Democrats expressing significantly less favorable views of Israel than older generations.

However, the strategy is not without risk. Democratic strategists warn that direct intervention in primaries could backfire, potentially alienating voters and deepening existing political divisions. "It's a really risky move for them," one strategist, speaking on background, stated. "I don't think they fully understand the implications of what they're doing. They could end up energizing the very progressive base they're trying to counter." The concern is that framing the race as an "AIPAC vs. Progressives" battle could galvanize opposition to the organization's preferred candidates.

Representative Slotkin, acknowledging the potential for criticism, defended AIPAC's endorsement. "The U.S.-Israel relationship is vital for American security, and it's encouraging to see organizations like AIPAC recognize that," she said in a recent statement. She further emphasized the importance of a strong, bipartisan commitment to Israel, arguing that it's essential for regional stability.

AIPAC defends its actions as necessary to safeguard the US-Israel alliance, asserting that a strong relationship benefits both countries. However, critics argue that the organization's increasing financial and political involvement distorts the democratic process and silences dissenting voices. Some observers suggest that AIPAC's actions may also be influenced by the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, with concerns about Iranian influence and regional instability driving the urgency to secure pro-Israel candidates.

The implications of AIPAC's expanded role are far-reaching. If successful, this strategy could cement a pro-Israel consensus within the Democratic Party for years to come. If it fails, it could further exacerbate political polarization and damage AIPAC's reputation as a neutral advocate for US-Israel relations. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether this new approach will prove to be a shrewd political maneuver or a miscalculation with unintended consequences.