Full Breakdown
Republican Attack Ads and Super PAC Money Shape Key Democratic Primaries
6/23/2026, 11:24:12 PM
Primary Battles and External Funding
Tuesday’s primaries in New York, Maryland and Utah featured Democratic races heavily influenced by outside money. In New York’s 17th district, a TV ad from Progressive Champions PAC alleged Cait Conley received “over $300 grand from firms supporting the apparatus weaponized by ICE.” Maryland’s 5th district includes Adrian Boafo, who has secured more than $11 million from crypto- and pro-Israel super PACs. In Utah, former Rep. Ben McAdams, a moderate Democrat, is backed by an AI-industry super PAC.
Background & Context
Republican-linked PACs have increasingly targeted Democratic primaries. Progressive Champions PAC, formed minutes after a shadowy counterpart, is tied to the Congressional Leadership Fund, a House Republican super PAC. Similar tactics aided Maureen Galindo in Texas and Matthew Dunlap in Maine.
Key Figures and Funding
Cait Conley, the New York target, faces an unverified $300,000 claim. Adrian Boafo, backed by Rep. Steny Hoyer, leads Maryland’s field with $11 million from crypto- and pro-Israel PACs. Ben McAdams relies on an AI-industry super PAC. Mayor Zohran Mamdani publicly endorsed progressive challengers, including Conley.
Implications for the 2024 General Election
Rep. Mike Lawler, the Republican incumbent in NY-17, is one of three House Republicans in a district won by Kamala Harris in 2024; a Conley win could make the race competitive. Boafo’s funding may tilt Maryland’s partisan balance, while McAdams’ moderate stance could affect Utah’s new Democratic seat.
Official Statements and Responses
Cait Conley told HuffPost that she believes Rep. Mike Lawler is reluctant to face her in the November general election and would take extreme measures to avoid it. Mayor Zohran Mamdani said the Democratic Party needs change. Progressive Champions PAC and the CLF declined comment.
Criticism and Opposition
Progressive observers decry Republican-linked PACs weaponizing immigration narratives; Democratic analysts warn super-PAC spending and multiple challengers could split the vote.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
Progressive Champions PAC and the CLF have not responded, leaving the $300,000 claim unverified and the ad’s impact unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Conley pocketed over $300 grand from firms supporting the apparatus weaponized by ICE,” — Narrator, Progressive Champions PAC ad
- “It is very clear that Mike Lawler is terrified to face me in November, and he is willing to go to any length to try to prevent that from happening,” — Cait Conley, Democratic candidate
- “He has never had to face someone like me before,” — Cait Conley, campaign remarks
- “The Democratic Party must change,” — Zohran Mamdani, New York City mayor
Outlook
The primary winners will face Republican incumbents in November, and the scale of outside spending suggests that PAC influence will continue to shape candidate selection and campaign dynamics in upcoming general-election contests.
