AIPAC Faces Backlash in Illinois House Primaries

Once a bipartisan stalwart, the pro-Israel lobbying group has become a 'boogeyman' for some Democrats

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has become a divisive issue in several Democratic House primaries in the Chicago area, with candidates debating the group's political influence and campaign funding. AIPAC, which once commanded bipartisan support, has increasingly faced criticism from Democrats who view the organization as too right-wing. The controversy has played out most sharply in Illinois' 9th Congressional District, where AIPAC-linked super PACs have poured millions into the race, inflaming tensions between the candidates.

Why it matters

AIPAC's growing unpopularity among Democrats reflects a broader shift in the party's views on Israel, with more voters now sympathizing with Palestinians than Israelis. The group's involvement in Democratic primaries has become a lightning rod, with candidates forced to address their ties to the organization and its influence on the race.

The details

In the 9th District race, AIPAC-linked super PACs have spent at least $10.9 million, backing candidate Laura Fine and attacking her opponent Daniel Biss. Fine has struggled to explain the influx of 'dark money' from the groups, while Biss has accused her of being 'bankrolled by AIPAC.' A third candidate, Kat Abughazaleh, has also criticized the 'lying' and 'bickering' over AIPAC. The group's involvement has become a major issue in the race, with one candidate saying 'AIPAC is toxic' in the district.

  • The Illinois primary election is scheduled for March 17, 2026.

The players

Laura Fine

An Illinois state senator running in the 9th District Democratic primary.

Daniel Biss

The mayor of Evanston, Illinois, and a candidate in the 9th District Democratic primary.

Kat Abughazaleh

A candidate in the 9th District Democratic primary who is running to the left of Fine and Biss.

AIPAC

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a pro-Israel lobbying organization that has become increasingly controversial among Democrats.

United Democracy Project

AIPAC's official super PAC, which has amassed $96 million to spend in the 2026 midterms.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's dark money. Our campaign does not coordinate.”

— Laura Fine, Illinois state senator (The New York Times)

“Your campaign is bankrolled by AIPAC and MAGA donors.”

— Daniel Biss, Mayor of Evanston, Illinois (The New York Times)

“AIPAC is toxic in the 9th District.”

— Mike Simmons, Illinois state senator and candidate in the 9th District race (The New York Times)

What’s next

The results of the Illinois primary election on March 17, 2026 will determine the Democratic nominee for the 9th Congressional District.

The takeaway

AIPAC's growing unpopularity among Democrats reflects a broader shift in the party's views on Israel, with the group's involvement in primary races becoming a divisive issue. The controversy in Illinois' 9th District highlights the tensions within the Democratic Party over the role of pro-Israel organizations in U.S. politics.