The American Israel Public Affairs Committee announced Wednesday it will no longer issue endorsements or make direct PAC contributions to political candidates, marking a sharp strategic turn after five years of direct involvement in elections.
AIPAC has faced mounting criticism, particularly over its positions on the wars in Gaza and Iran. Candidates endorsed by the group encountered opposition from both right and left, and some previously backed by AIPAC publicly refused its money to distance themselves from the organization as public opinion on the U.S.-Israel relationship shifted.
The group disclosed the changes in a letter to members, acknowledging that "the challenges we are confronting will continue to grow in the years ahead." But AIPAC emphasized it would continue channeling money to candidates aligned with its mission—just through a different mechanism.
Instead of direct PAC contributions, AIPAC said it will mobilize individual donors and harness "direct, organized contributions from individual Americans to candidates" while expanding use of "emerging political fundraising tools." AIPAC members gave more than $90 million directly to candidates this cycle, a spokesperson said, and that giving "will continue and increase."
Federal Election Commission filings show AIPAC contributed nearly $25 million directly to candidates and political committees through Sept. 30, 2026. Its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project, contributed an additional $13 million.
The super PAC spent $53.5 million in independent expenditures and will continue operating with no fundraising limits. United Democracy Project has spent heavily to support pro-Israel candidates and oppose those critical of Israel, including targeting Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan.
