Pro-Israel Group Backs Moderate Democrats in House Primaries

Democratic Majority for Israel PAC endorses candidates in battleground and safe-blue districts

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC has announced its first round of endorsements for House candidates in the 2026 Democratic primaries. The group is backing moderate Democrats in several battleground races as well as in crowded primaries for safe blue seats, with the goal of regaining a Democratic congressional majority.

Why it matters

The DMFI endorsements reflect the ongoing tensions within the Democratic Party between more moderate and progressive factions, particularly on issues related to Israel and the Middle East. The group's support for centrist candidates could influence the outcome of key primary races and the overall ideological direction of the Democratic House caucus.

The details

The DMFI is endorsing candidates in six battleground House races, including backing moderate state Rep. Shannon Bird over progressive state Rep. Manny Rutinel in a Colorado district. In New York, the group is supporting Cait Conley in a crowded primary to take on Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.). In Texas, DMFI has endorsed police officer Johnny Garcia in a wide-open primary for a newly drawn, red-leaning seat. The group is also backing Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and former TV anchor Janelle Stelson in two of the four most competitive seats in Pennsylvania.

  • The DMFI endorsements were announced on February 19, 2026.

The players

Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC

A pro-Israel political action committee focused on supporting moderate Democratic candidates.

Shannon Bird

A moderate state representative running in a battleground Colorado district.

Manny Rutinel

A progressive state representative challenging Bird in the Colorado primary.

Cait Conley

A candidate in a crowded Democratic primary in New York to take on Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.).

Johnny Garcia

A police officer running in a wide-open Democratic primary for a newly drawn, red-leaning Texas House seat.

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What they’re saying

“The vast majority of Americans support the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish state and understand the importance of the U.S.-Israel relationship. If you're running in a competitive district, you need Democrats, you need independents, you need Republicans.”

— Kathy Manning, Former U.S. Representative and DMFI PAC board member (Politico)

What’s next

The DMFI endorsements will be closely watched as the 2026 Democratic primaries unfold, with the group's support potentially providing a boost to its preferred candidates in key races.

The takeaway

The DMFI's endorsements reflect the ongoing ideological tensions within the Democratic Party, as the group seeks to back more moderate candidates who it believes can appeal to a broader range of voters in competitive districts. This strategy could influence the composition and policy priorities of the eventual Democratic House majority.