AIPAC Influence Divides Illinois Democratic Primaries

Pro-Israel lobby's spending in Chicago-area races sparks backlash from progressive candidates

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group, has become a divisive issue in several Democratic House primaries in the Chicago area. AIPAC's support for candidates like Illinois state senator Laura Fine has drawn criticism from opponents like Evanston mayor Daniel Biss and progressive candidate Kat Abughazaleh, who accuse Fine of being "bankrolled by AIPAC." The influx of AIPAC-linked super PAC spending has made the group a "toxic" presence in the races, with some voters concerned the support is veiled antisemitism while others view it as a drawback for candidates.

Why it matters

AIPAC's involvement in these Democratic primaries highlights the growing divide within the party over Israel policy, with more progressive candidates distancing themselves from the hard-line pro-Israel group. The outcome of these races could signal a shift in the Democratic party's stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups.

The details

AIPAC has poured millions into super PACs like Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now to support candidates like Laura Fine in the Ninth Congressional District race. Fine's opponents, including Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh, have accused her of being "bankrolled by AIPAC." AIPAC's super PAC, United Democracy Project, has also spent over $3 million to back other candidates in Illinois. The influx of AIPAC-linked money has made the group a "toxic" presence in these races, with some voters concerned the support is veiled antisemitism while others view it as a drawback for candidates.

  • The primaries in Illinois will be held on March 17, 2026.

The players

Laura Fine

An Illinois state senator running in the Ninth Congressional District primary, who has received significant support from AIPAC-linked super PACs.

Daniel Biss

The mayor of Evanston, Illinois, running against Fine in the Ninth District primary. Biss has accused Fine of being "bankrolled by AIPAC" and criticized the group's "far right, militaristic approach."

Kat Abughazaleh

A progressive candidate running in the Ninth District primary, who has attacked both Fine and Biss for their ties to AIPAC.

AIPAC

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee, a powerful pro-Israel lobbying group that has become a divisive presence in these Democratic primaries.

United Democracy Project

AIPAC's official super PAC, which has spent over $3 million to support candidates in Illinois.

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What they’re saying

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

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

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

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

“I still believe it is significantly MAGA-influenced.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois (New York Times)

“This is a guy who can't possibly be considered anti-Israel — he is the quintessential American Jew. He is at the 50-yard line of Jewish Americans, and AIPAC doesn't want them anywhere near policy.”

— Jeremy Ben-Ami, Executive director of J Street (New York Times)

What’s next

The outcome of the Illinois primaries on March 17, 2026 will be closely watched to see if AIPAC's influence in these races backfires and drives more progressive voters to candidates critical of the group's stance on Israel.

The takeaway

AIPAC's heavy spending in these Democratic primaries has made the pro-Israel lobby a divisive issue, with progressive candidates accusing their opponents of being "bankrolled" by the group. The results could signal a shift in the Democratic party's approach to Israel and the influence of hawkish pro-Israel groups.