AIPAC Ends Direct Candidate Endorsements and Campaign Donations

The decision comes amid growing partisan polarization in the United States regarding Israel and mounting public backlash. AIPAC's direct endorsements and financial backing had increasingly become a political liability for some candidates, with critics from both progressive Democrats and the far-right targeting the donations. Some politicians had voluntarily opted to refuse contributions from the lobby, while others faced intense scrutiny over the funding.

Despite halting direct PAC donations, AIPAC is not withdrawing from the political arena. The organization will now focus on encouraging its members to make direct, individual contributions to pro-Israel candidates, ensuring the lobby's name does not appear on campaign finance reports. AIPAC members have already contributed over $90 million to candidates in the current election cycle.

Additionally, AIPAC's independent super PAC, the United Democracy Project, will continue its operations without change. The super PAC, which has spent over $83 million in the current cycle, is permitted to raise and spend unlimited funds on independent advertising to support pro-Israel candidates and oppose their rivals, provided it does not coordinate directly with the campaigns.