AIPAC plans to end candidate endorsements and direct contributions from its political action committee while keeping its super PAC, preserving a channel for independent spending as political resistance grows in some Democratic primaries.
Jewish Insider first reported the shift, and CNBC reported details after obtaining a letter to AIPAC members. The letter says the group will stop endorsing candidates, making direct contributions to candidates through its traditional PAC and earmarking donations for individual candidates. CNBC reported that AIPAC adopted its endorsement and direct-giving strategy in 2021 and is now reversing it.
AIPAC plans to put greater emphasis on mobilizing members to give directly to candidates. The letter described a difficult political climate and said the group expected it to become more challenging. AIPAC spokesperson Deryn Sousa told CNBC that the group aimed to expand community political involvement and give activists more direct impact over the next two years.
United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s super PAC, will remain operational. Federal Election Commission filings show the committee reported $53.4 million in independent expenditures through Sept. 30, 2026. CNBC’s analysis of filings put AIPAC’s combined spending through its traditional PAC and affiliated super PAC at about $105.1 million this election cycle. CNBC reported that the super PAC can raise unlimited sums for independent political spending.
The change comes amid resistance to AIPAC backing in some Democratic primaries during opposition to Israel’s war in Gaza, CNBC reported. The outlet said some candidates have criticized rivals for accepting the group’s support and some lawmakers have pledged to reject money tied to AIPAC. A 2026 Pew Research Center survey found 80% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents viewed Israel unfavorably, compared with 53% in 2022.
United Democracy Project spent more than $30 million backing Rep. Haley Stevens and opposing Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, which El-Sayed narrowly won, according to CNBC’s analysis of Federal Election Commission filings.
