Palantir Becomes a Toxic Brand for Democrats

The data firm's work with ICE and the Israeli government has made it a target in Democratic primaries across the country.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Palantir, the data analytics company and top government contractor, is quickly becoming one of the left's most hated companies. The Palantir skepticism is keenly felt in competitive Democratic primaries, where any ties to the corporation are quickly turned into political attacks. Palantir's work with ICE and the Israeli government has made the tech company especially toxic for progressive candidates.

Why it matters

Palantir's controversial government contracts have become a major liability for Democrats, who are facing increasing pressure from their base to take a strong stance against the company. This issue is playing out in several high-profile primary races, where candidates are being forced to answer for any past connections to Palantir.

The details

In Texas, former Rep. Colin Allred is attacking his primary opponent Rep. Julie Johnson over her past Palantir stock holdings. In New York, Democrat Alex Bores is facing attacks over his former employment at Palantir, while Rep. Dan Goldman is criticizing his opponent Brad Lander for New York pension fund investments in the company when Lander was city comptroller. In Illinois, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi donated $29,300 in Palantir executive donations to immigrant rights groups after the contributions were exposed.

  • In February 2026, Palantir became a major political liability for Democrats.

The players

Palantir

A data analytics company and top government contractor that has faced criticism from progressives for its work with ICE and the Israeli government.

Colin Allred

A former Democratic congressman from Texas who is attacking his primary opponent over her Palantir stock holdings.

Julie Johnson

A Democratic congresswoman from Texas who is defending her past Palantir stock ownership.

Alex Bores

A Democratic candidate in New York's 12th Congressional District who is facing attacks over his former employment at Palantir.

Dan Goldman

A Democratic congressman from New York's 10th District who is attacking his opponent over New York pension fund investments in Palantir when the opponent was city comptroller.

Brad Lander

A Democratic candidate in New York's 10th Congressional District who is defending his past investments in Palantir as city comptroller.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

A Democratic congressman from Illinois who donated $29,300 in Palantir executive donations to immigrant rights groups after the contributions were exposed.

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The takeaway

Palantir's controversial government contracts have become a major political liability for Democrats, forcing candidates to answer for any past ties to the company. This issue is playing out in several high-profile primary races, where progressive voters are demanding that their representatives take a strong stance against Palantir and its work with agencies like ICE and the Israeli government.