AIPAC Faces Test of Power in Illinois Primary as Democrats Debate Israel Relationship

Powerful pro-Israel advocacy group spends millions to influence Democratic primary races across the country.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) is pouring millions of dollars into a crowded Democratic primary race in Illinois, hoping to boost a moderate candidate over more progressive challengers. The aggressive spending comes after AIPAC's efforts to influence a recent Democratic primary in New Jersey were widely seen as backfiring. The group's interventions in this year's primaries are expected to expand, further fracturing the Democratic Party and eroding goodwill over the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Why it matters

AIPAC's increased political spending and influence in Democratic primaries has become a divisive issue, with critics accusing the group of using undisclosed campaign cash to sway elections and undermine progressive candidates critical of Israel's policies. The debate over AIPAC's role reflects a broader reckoning within the Democratic Party about the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

The details

AIPAC has reserved at least $1.9 million in advertisements through its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), to boost Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the race to replace retiring Rep. Danny Davis. Other groups believed to be tied to AIPAC, like Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now, have also spent heavily in the Illinois primary, though their funding sources are not yet disclosed. AIPAC's strategy has been to attack candidates on issues unrelated to Israel, like immigration, in an effort to undermine them with liberal voters.

  • AIPAC recently spent almost $2 million in a Democratic primary for a special election in New Jersey, an effort that's widely considered to have backfired.
  • The Illinois primary is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

AIPAC

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is a powerful advocacy organization that lobbies for U.S. support of Israel. It has become increasingly involved in Democratic primary elections, drawing criticism from progressives.

United Democracy Project (UDP)

AIPAC's affiliated super PAC that has reserved at least $1.9 million in advertisements to boost moderate candidate Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the Illinois primary.

Melissa Conyears-Ervin

The Chicago city treasurer who is running to replace retiring Rep. Danny Davis and is being backed by AIPAC's super PAC.

Tom Malinowski

A former Democratic congressman in New Jersey who narrowly lost his primary to a progressive candidate after being targeted by AIPAC.

Rep. Brad Schneider

A Democratic congressman from Illinois who co-chairs the Congressional Jewish Caucus and argues that the focus on AIPAC is misplaced, saying the real problem is "Citizens United and the decision to allow dark money."

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What they’re saying

“We expect to be involved in dozens of races both in primaries and general elections this cycle.”

— Patrick Dorton, Spokesman for AIPAC's super PAC, the United Democracy Project (kob.com)

“The problem is Citizens United and the decision to allow dark money. The problem is the rules. Let's fix the rules.”

— Rep. Brad Schneider, Co-chair of the Congressional Jewish Caucus (kob.com)

“Obviously, we were going to talk about Israel and Gaza in the campaign because many voters would be asking questions about it. But I wanted those discussions to be about the substance, not colored by baggage of endorsements from groups that are controversial now.”

— Tom Malinowski, Former Democratic congressman in New Jersey (kob.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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