Anti-Israel Donors Fail to Unseat Democratic Incumbent in North Carolina

New super PAC backed by Mamdani donors falls short in bid to oust Rep. Valerie Foushee over her ties to AIPAC.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new super PAC called American Priorities, funded by a group of deep-pocketed donors to New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, has failed in its attempt to unseat Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee of North Carolina over her ties to the pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC. The PAC spent $1.1 million on ads attacking Foushee, but she was able to hold on to her seat, defeating challenger Nida Allam, who has accused the U.S. of financing an "Israeli genocide of Palestinians."

Why it matters

This story highlights the growing influence of anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party, particularly among younger voters. The failure of the Mamdani-linked super PAC to unseat Foushee suggests that the party's establishment is still able to fend off challenges from the more progressive wing on foreign policy issues like Israel. However, the group says it plans to be a major player in future elections, targeting a dozen House races in partnership with left-wing organizations.

The details

The American Priorities PAC launched in February and quickly spent $1.1 million on ads attacking Foushee for her ties to AIPAC. The group is funded by a handful of anti-Israel donors who appear to be emboldened by Mamdani's victory in the New York City mayoral election last year. Silicon Valley investors Tariq Afaq Ahmed and Omer Hasan, both former executives of the marketing company AppLovin, donated $500,000 and $1 million respectively to the PAC. The group also invested $100,000 in ads supporting the Rev. Frederick Haynes III, who is known for his praise of Louis Farrakhan and sermons denouncing Israel, in his successful campaign to replace Rep. Jasmine Crockett in Texas.

  • On March 5, 2026, early results showed Rep. Valerie Foushee with a 1 percent lead over challenger Nida Allam.
  • A recount is likely in the North Carolina primary race.

The players

American Priorities PAC

A new super PAC funded by a group of deep-pocketed donors to New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, seeking to capitalize on growing anti-Israel sentiment in the Democratic base.

Rep. Valerie Foushee

The Democratic incumbent in North Carolina's 4th congressional district, who defeated challenger Nida Allam despite a $1.1 million ad campaign by American Priorities attacking her ties to AIPAC.

Nida Allam

The Durham County commissioner who challenged Rep. Foushee in the Democratic primary, accusing the U.S. of financing an "Israeli genocide of Palestinians." She was defeated by Foushee.

Tariq Afaq Ahmed

A Silicon Valley angel investor who donated $500,000 to American Priorities PAC. He previously gave $25,000 to a pro-Mamdani super PAC in New York City.

Omer Hasan

Another Silicon Valley executive who donated $1 million to American Priorities PAC. He previously gave $250,000 to the pro-Mamdani super PAC in New York.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Mamdani's primary victory could signal the "infancy of something to come.”

— Tariq Afaq Ahmed, Silicon Valley angel investor (ABC News)

What’s next

A recount is likely in the North Carolina primary race between Rep. Valerie Foushee and challenger Nida Allam.

The takeaway

This story highlights the growing influence of anti-Israel sentiment within the Democratic Party, particularly among younger voters. While the Mamdani-linked super PAC failed to unseat Rep. Foushee, the group says it plans to be a major player in future elections, targeting a dozen House races in partnership with left-wing organizations. The outcome suggests the party's establishment is still able to fend off challenges from the more progressive wing on foreign policy issues like Israel, but the battle lines are being drawn for future electoral battles.