AIPAC's massive spending in US elections exposed in new report
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AIPAC announced plans to spend an astonishing $100 million to shape the congressional landscape, making it one of the most influential spenders in the US elections.
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Former Democratic presidential candidate and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg speaks at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) 2020 Conference, Monday, March 2, 2020 in Washington. (AP)
The Intercept published on Friday an investigation into the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's (AIPAC) unprecedented spending strategy in US congressional elections.
This investigation reveals that AIPAC, a historically influential pro-"Israel" lobby, has transformed its tactics from traditional behind-the-scenes lobbying to direct financial involvement in political campaigns.
Ahead of the 2024 cycle, AIPAC announced plans to spend an astonishing $100 million to shape the congressional landscape, making it one of the most influential spenders in US elections.
According to The Intercept's findings, AIPAC's newly formed political action committees have injected millions of dollars into over 80% of congressional races in 2024, targeting both Republican and Democratic candidates.
The group's total involvement includes over $17 million for Republicans and $28 million for Democrats, thus ensuring that pro-"Israel" voices dominate both sides of the aisle.
In the lead-up to the 2022 midterms, AIPAC's spending marked a new chapter for the organization, which had previously steered clear of direct campaign contributions in favor of issue-based lobbying.
Now, AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, has fueled independent expenditures to the tune of $41.9 million, strategically deploying funds through high-impact ads and get-out-the-vote efforts.
Discarding the progressives
While AIPAC has supported candidates across party lines, it has also poured millions into defeating progressive candidates who are critical of US-"Israel" relations, particularly within the Democratic Party.
For instance, AIPAC directed $11.7 million to one race in Missouri against Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), a prominent critic, making it one of the most expensive campaigns AIPAC has backed. This financial reach indicates AIPAC's evolving strategy of reshaping the electoral landscape to stifle critiques of "Israel."
The PAC has concentrated resources on high-stakes races like those of Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo) and Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), leading to some of the most expensive Democratic primaries in recent history.
Together, AIPAC’s funds for these high-profile races exceeded $30 million, intensifying its campaign against progressive members of Congress. In a notable victory, AIPAC-backed candidates prevailed over several progressive incumbents who had called for greater scrutiny of US aid to "Israel."
In the two highest-profile cases this cycle, AIPAC spent $30 million on ousting two members of the progressive Squad — Bowman and Bush — leading to two of the most expensive Democratic House primaries in history. https://t.co/YsNwOBmc7o pic.twitter.com/BHZK4rmGtE
— The Intercept (@theintercept) October 24, 2024
The Intercept's investigation further highlights how AIPAC has also partnered with other pro-"Israel" groups, like the Democratic Majority for Israel, and is backed by prominent billionaire donors, some of whom have previously supported former President Donald Trump.
In one example of the far-reaching impact, AIPAC spent $5.1 million against a single congressional candidate in California — a considerable investment, particularly as "Israel" was barely a topic in the race.
The piece concludes that AIPAC's recent involvement could reshape not only future congressional races but also the larger discourse on US policy in the Middle East, sparking further debate over the role of big money in American politics and the growing influence of special interest groups in shaping foreign policy.
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"AIPAC — like every other corporate super PAC — represents the most broken parts of our campaign finance system that gives a handful of billionaires a vehicle to advance their interests at the expense of millions of everyday people," Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for Justice Democrats, which has recruited and backed candidates against AIPAC, told The Intercept.
"If we want to stop rising costs, protect our communities, and prevent another endless war abroad then we need to take big money out of politics once and for all."
