Emergence of Pro-Palestinian PACs Challenges AIPAC's Influence

In recent months, several pro-Palestinian political action committees (PACs) have emerged, aiming to counter the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in U.S. electoral politics. These groups, including the Peace, Accountability and Leadership PAC (PAL PAC), American Priorities, and Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption PAC (CAAC PAC), are strategically targeting progressive candidates who oppose AIPAC's policies. PAL PAC, founded by Margaret DeReus in February 2024, has endorsed nine congressional candidates, while American Priorities, led by Hannah Fertig, plans to spend at least $10 million on midterm elections to support candidates aligned with their foreign policy views.

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The newly formed PACs are employing tactics similar to those used by AIPAC, focusing on candidates who have publicly opposed AIPAC or received its funding. For instance, American Priorities has already invested heavily in races, with a notable $1 million spent in a North Carolina contest. Despite mixed results in early primaries, including victories for some endorsed candidates, critics argue that the PACs could have leveraged their resources more effectively. Ryan Grim, a reporter for Drop Site News, highlighted missed opportunities where increased spending could have altered election outcomes.

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AIPAC and its affiliates have criticized the rise of these pro-Palestinian PACs, claiming they threaten democratic discourse within the Democratic Party. Patrick Dorton, spokesperson for AIPAC's United Democracy Project, described the new groups as part of a "fringe left" movement using "dark money" to promote an anti-Israel agenda. This sentiment reflects a broader concern among pro-Israel advocates regarding the shifting views within the Democratic base, where a growing number of members express negative sentiments toward Israel.

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The impact of these PACs is still unfolding. While some candidates have successfully won primaries with their backing, such as Rev. Frederick Haynes III in Texas, the overall effectiveness of the pro-Palestinian funding remains uncertain. A recent NBC poll indicated that 57% of Democrats now hold a negative view of Israel, a significant shift from previous years. This evolving sentiment may provide a fertile ground for the PACs to influence future elections, particularly as they continue to endorse candidates who openly challenge AIPAC's stance.

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As the midterm elections approach, the PACs are poised to play a critical role in shaping the Democratic Party's stance on Israel and Palestine. With eleven states holding primaries in May, candidates are increasingly vocal about their positions on AIPAC. PAL PAC continues to endorse candidates, including Saikat Chakrabarti in California and Claire Valdez in New York, while American Priorities has yet to disclose its spending plans for upcoming races. The ongoing political dynamics suggest that the influence of pro-Palestinian groups may grow, potentially reshaping the electoral landscape.

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• “We have a massive opportunity to be on the offensive this cycle, and increase the number of members of Congress who will challenge the status quo on Palestine,” — Amira Hassan, Political Director, PAL PAC

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• “This is the fringe left using dark money to advance an anti-Israel agenda,” — Patrick Dorton, Spokesperson, United Democracy Project

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• “Whereas it could have some impact on a few local races, I don’t think money is the place where this position is going to make itself felt,” — Eric Alterman, Historian and Journalist

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