Report: AIPAC to Stop Candidate Endorsements and PAC Donations
AIPAC will stop endorsing candidates, making direct PAC contributions and earmarking donations, according to a letter to members. Its super PAC will continue.
- $26.8 million: AIPAC's PAC giving in 2025, the most of any PAC.
- $105.1 million deployed this cycle through its PAC and super PAC.
- $30 million-plus spent backing Haley Stevens, who lost Michigan's Senate primary.
- $90 million-plus came from members, versus about $3 million directly from the PAC.
Why it matters: The change drops AIPAC's most visible campaign activity while keeping its ability to spend unlimited sums through United Democracy Project.
- Members' direct donations would not carry an AIPAC-earmarked label in filings.
- Democrats like Sen. Cory Booker say they will refuse AIPAC money.
How 6 sources split on this story
Where they split: Outlets differ on whether the move is a retreat under political pressure or a tactical shift toward more effective grassroots giving.
Center coverage, 2 sources: The center sees a retreat driven by growing backlash that may also make AIPAC's influence harder to track.
Left coverage, 3 sources: The left sees a scandal-plagued lobby reworking its operation under mounting scrutiny over Gaza and costly primary losses.
Right coverage, 1 sources: The right sees a strategic response to criticism of AIPAC from both parties, with support shifting to individual donors.
What’s next: AIPAC says it will expand organized individual contributions and use new fundraising tools.
- Spokesperson Deryn Sousa said the group aims to dramatically expand its activists' direct impact over two years.
- Will candidates still face attacks over donations from AIPAC members?
- How much will United Democracy Project spend in 2028 races?
