Pro-Israel Lobby Spends Millions in US Midterms as Political Backlash Grows
The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is spending heavily in the 2026 US midterm elections, even as criticism of the pro-Israel lobby grows across the political spectrum.
Through its main election-spending vehicle, the United Democracy Project (UDP), AIPAC has spent about $54 million on congressional races, making it the largest outside spender of the election cycle, according to OpenSecrets. The wider pro-Israel donor network has spent around $71 million.
Much of AIPAC’s spending has focused on Democratic primaries, supporting candidates who strongly back Israel and opposing those seeking restrictions on US military aid.
However, the strategy has suffered major setbacks. In Michigan, AIPAC and allied groups reportedly spent about $30 million trying to stop progressive candidate Abdul El-Sayed from winning the Democratic Senate nomination, but he prevailed. AIPAC-backed candidates have also lost contests in California, Illinois and New York.
Resistance is increasingly crossing party lines. Some Republicans have reportedly sought distance from AIPAC, fearing its involvement could hurt them with voters.
The backlash reflects changing US public opinion. A June Quinnipiac poll found 48% of voters believed the US was too supportive of Israel, including 66% of Democrats.
Despite the growing criticism, AIPAC remains a powerful force in Washington, with significant influence over congressional politics and continued support for US military assistance to Israel.
