AIPAC vs. Progressive Incumbents
How the Israel lobby reshaped Democratic primaries
AIPAC's United Democracy Project spent tens of millions in 2024 Democratic primaries, targeting progressive incumbents who criticized Israeli policy. Trace the spending from AIPAC's donor network through UDP to specific primary races, and see which incumbents survived.
AIPAC builds a spending machine
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, long the most powerful foreign-policy lobby in Washington, expanded from traditional lobbying into direct electoral spending through its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project.
United Democracy Project floods Democratic primaries
UDP, AIPAC's super PAC arm, spent tens of millions in 2024 Democratic primaries. The spending rarely mentioned Israel — instead, ads attacked progressive incumbents on local issues like housing and crime, obscuring the lobby's true motive.
AIPAC-affiliated super PAC. Spent over $100M in the 2024 cycle on independent expenditures supporting and opposing congressional candidates based on Israel policy positions.
Ruben Gallego receives $4.7M in UDP support
Rep. Ruben Gallego's Arizona Senate campaign received $4.7 million from United Democracy Project, making him one of the top recipients of pro-Israel PAC money in the 2024 cycle.
Shontel Brown backed with $3.2M against progressive challenger
Rep. Shontel Brown received $3.2 million from UDP in her primary race. Brown had been a consistent supporter of Israel policy; her progressive challenger had called for conditioning U.S. aid.
U.S. Representative (D-OH-11). Won 2021 special election with significant pro-Israel PAC support over Nina Turner.
Israel Security Supplemental passes with AIPAC-backed votes
The Israel Security Supplemental Appropriations Act (H.R.8034) was enacted with strong support from members who received AIPAC-aligned PAC money. The bill provided billions in additional military aid to Israel during the Gaza conflict.
Emergency supplemental providing $26.4 billion in aid to Israel, including $4 billion for Iron Dome and David's Sling missile defense systems. Passed as part of the broader supplemental package.