After a big defeat, US pro-Israel lobby sets sights on midterms
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobby group boasts of its track record of success deciding election-winners as it endorses candidates that support its cause.
After losing his congressional seat to a pro-Israel Democrat, Jamaal Bowman became a target of AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobbying group. Realizing that direct criticism of Israel was ineffective, Bowman and AIPAC shifted their strategy to attack ads focusing on non-Israel issues. In the 2024 Democratic primary, AIPAC spent $14.5 million to defeat Bowman.
Senator Bernie Sanders, who supported Bowman, called it a victory for big money buying politicians. AIPAC boasts a 98% endorsement win rate, spending over $53 million on candidates. However, public opinion has turned against Israel, especially among Democrats. In Michigan, AIPAC spent over $30 million to support Haley Stevens against progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
Despite AIPAC's backing, El-Sayed narrowly won. In Illinois, AIPAC supported four candidates, two of whom won. Critics accuse AIPAC of using deceptive funding through shell organizations.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.