AIPAC Ends Direct Candidate Donations and Endorsements Amid Backlash Over Gaza War

Washington — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), one of the most influential pro-Israel lobbying groups in the United States, has announced that it will stop endorsing congressional candidates, making direct PAC contributions, and earmarking donations after the November 3 midterm elections.
In a letter to members, AIPAC leadership said the group would instead organize individual American donors to give directly to preferred candidates. “Endorsements, direct PAC contributions, and earmarking will no longer be part of our approach,” the letter said.
The change will not affect AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP), which can spend unlimited amounts independently in US elections. Reports said UDP had spent more than $80 million through September 30 in the current election cycle, while AIPAC members contributed more than $90 million directly to candidates.
US media reported that the shift comes as public criticism of Israel grows over the war in Gaza and as several Democratic candidates publicly reject AIPAC’s backing. CNBC reported that support from AIPAC has increasingly become a political liability, particularly in Democratic primaries.
A Pew Research Center survey found that 80 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents hold unfavorable views of Israel, up from 53 percent in 2022.
AIPAC leaders described the 2026 election as “one of the most challenging environments in recent memory” and said the challenges facing the group were expected to grow in the years ahead.