Democrats Distance Themselves from AIPAC Ahead of 2028 Elections

As the 2028 presidential election approaches, a notable shift is occurring among Democratic politicians regarding their relationship with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Prominent figures such as Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.) have publicly declared their intention to reject AIPAC's financial support. This trend reflects a broader change in the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, particularly in light of recent conflicts involving the Israeli government and its actions in Gaza and Iran.

Politico

Senator Cory Booker has committed to abstaining from all Political Action Committee (PAC) contributions, stating, “I don’t believe we should be accepting any PAC money at all from anybody.” Similarly, Gallego has expressed that accepting AIPAC's backing would equate to endorsing the current Israeli government's actions. Governor Newsom has gone further, labeling Israel as an “apartheid state” and advocating for a reevaluation of U.S. military support. Other potential candidates, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, have also distanced themselves from AIPAC, with Shapiro criticizing both Netanyahu and Trump for their policies.

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In response to the growing criticism, AIPAC representatives have expressed concern over what they perceive as efforts to marginalize pro-Israel voices within the Democratic Party. Deryn Sousa, a spokesperson for AIPAC, described these actions as “alarming and fundamentally undemocratic.” Patrick Dorton, from AIPAC's super PAC, United Democracy Project, acknowledged the challenges faced by the organization but affirmed their commitment to promoting pro-Israel candidates in federal elections.

The Hill

Recent polling indicates a significant decline in support for Israel among Democrats, with 57% viewing the country negatively, a stark contrast to previous years. This shift has prompted many Democratic leaders to reconsider their positions on AIPAC and its influence. Some, like former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, have noted that AIPAC's support is no longer a given, while others, such as Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), have reported being targeted by AIPAC's advertising campaigns.

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Progressive Democrats, including Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), have been vocal critics of AIPAC, accusing it of exacerbating tensions and perpetuating violence in the region. They argue that the organization has become increasingly aligned with right-wing Israeli policies, diverging from the values of many Democratic voters. This internal conflict is further complicated by the fact that some Democrats, while rejecting AIPAC's funding, are hesitant to call for a blanket rejection of its support among their peers.

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The evolving relationship between Democrats and AIPAC underscores a significant realignment within the party as it grapples with its stance on Israel and the implications for its electoral strategy. With the 2028 election on the horizon, the party's approach to AIPAC and Israel will likely remain a contentious issue, shaping the political landscape in the years to come. As progressive groups push for stricter boundaries regarding AIPAC's influence, the future of pro-Israel advocacy within the Democratic Party hangs in the balance.

The Hill