After midterm losses, AIPAC appears to have become a liability in many races

Last week's US midterm elections have dealt a blow to the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC, leaving it struggling. The organization, once a political powerhouse, is now facing intense scrutiny over US-Israeli relations and the success of candidates who oppose Israel. Voters have expressed deep dissatisfaction with the United States' support for Israel, especially in light of civilian deaths in Gaza and the costly war with Iran.

In Michigan, for instance, AIPAC-backed candidates faced defeat, allowing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed, who criticized US military funding for Israel, to become the first Muslim senator. The losses extended beyond the left, with Republican candidates also facing setbacks. AIPAC's affiliation with the United Democracy Project did not help them win in Michigan, instead fueling El-Sayed's messaging.

The group's supporters are now openly acknowledging that AIPAC has become a liability. Former Democratic campaign strategist Adam Wood noted that several campaigns he worked on had long coveted AIPAC's support. The shift in voter sentiment is evident in the record-low average score for Israel on the Chicago Council on Global Affairs' annual survey, which dropped to 44 this year.

Democrats' disapproval has plummeted from 52 in 2022 to just 30 today. Even President Donald Trump, known for his support of Israel, announced on election day that the US would be ending a major annual aid package to Israel. This move, coupled with criticism from other right-wing figures, signals a changing relationship between the US and Israel.

While AIPAC is unlikely to disappear, the group faces an uncertain future as it navigates the shifting political landscape.