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Democratic Primaries Shift Focus Amid Iran War Fallout

3/19/2026

Center

Democrats Challenge Incumbents

The ongoing war with Iran is shaping Democratic primaries ahead of the November midterms.
Progressives criticize moderate candidates for defense contractor ties and for insufficient opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidates Melat Kiros and Nida Allam are leveraging the war to challenge incumbents.
Polls show low war support among Democrats, with many pushing a shift toward domestic issues.

Left

AIPAC Targets Progressives

AIPAC has spent $13.7 million in Illinois Democratic primaries to defeat progressive candidates critical of Israeli policies.
Kina Collins (progressive candidate) and Kat Abughazaleh are targeted, with Abughazaleh facing Daniel Biss and Laura Fine as AIPAC seeks to undermine her.
Usamah Andrabi of Justice Democrats says AIPAC's influence is waning as voters reject candidates tied to the group.
Junaid Ahmed and other progressives challenge pro-Israel incumbents, underscoring dark money's role.

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Democrats Challenge Incumbents

The ongoing war with Iran is shaping Democratic primaries ahead of the November midterms.
Progressives criticize moderate candidates for defense contractor ties and for insufficient opposition to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Democratic candidates Melat Kiros and Nida Allam are leveraging the war to challenge incumbents.
Polls show low war support among Democrats, with many pushing a shift toward domestic issues.

1 / 2