AIPAC drops endorsements and direct campaign gifts days before the midterm election

AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, announced Wednesday that it will no longer issue endorsements, make direct political action committee (PAC) contributions or earmark funds for candidates. ¹ The group disclosed the change in a letter to members. ¹²

AIPAC began its direct political involvement five years ago. Since then, and especially this election cycle, it has faced growing resistance, including criticism over its stances on the wars in Gaza and Iran. ¹

What the letter says

The letter warned that "the challenges we are confronting will continue to grow in the years ahead." ¹ It said the group will shift toward mobilizing individual donors to give directly to candidates. ¹²

Endorsements, direct PAC contributions, and earmarking will no longer be part of our approach

The letter also looked ahead to 2028, saying that cycle "will demand an even stronger commitment by our activists to pro-Israel politics." ² AIPAC said it plans more support for Republicans and Democrats who advance policies it says strengthen the U.S. alliance with Israel. ¹

The super PAC keeps spending

AIPAC confirmed to NPR that its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, will keep operating. It can raise an unlimited amount of money. ¹ A super PAC is a group that can spend freely on elections as long as it does not coordinate directly with a campaign.

Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings show AIPAC gave nearly $25 million to candidates and political committees in 2026 through Sept. 30. The United Democracy Project gave $13 million and spent another $53.5 million on independent expenditures, meaning spending done separately from campaigns. ¹

In recent days, several of the super PAC's independent expenditures have been used against Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Michigan. AIPAC also spent heavily against him in the primary, backing his opponent, Rep. Haley Stevens. ¹

AIPAC's response

AIPAC spokesperson Deryn Sousa told NPR the group's mission and strategy remain the same. ¹² She said members gave more than $90 million directly to candidates this cycle. ¹

AIPAC members gave more than $90 million directly to candidates this cycle, and that organized, direct giving from our members will continue and increase.

The letter claims AIPAC helped 290 pro-Israel candidates win and kept 29 "detractors" from winning. Those are the group's own figures, and we could not check them independently. ²

Why it matters

Some AIPAC-endorsed candidates drew opposition from both the right and the left for accepting its support. Some said they would not take its money. ¹ The new policy removes that endorsement label, but it does not remove the group's outside spending. ¹

That matters because the Michigan Senate race is one of several high-profile contests where AIPAC has spent to back a pro-Israel politician or to oppose someone it sees as less favorable to Israel. ¹ Voters should expect that spending to continue through Election Day, Nov. 3. The announcement's effect on that spending is unclear.

The JTA report, which first credited Jewish Insider with the news, says AIPAC has become a target for many progressive Democrats, including Democratic Socialists of America members running for Congress. ² It did not include comment from Democrats or other critics. ²

The Record

1. Sep 30, 2026FEC filings show AIPAC gave nearly $25 million to candidates and committees in 2026 through this date, and its super PAC spent $53.5 million in independent expenditures ¹
2. Oct 21, 2026AIPAC tells members it will end endorsements, direct PAC contributions and earmarking ¹²
3. Nov 3, 2026Midterm Election Day, with the Michigan Senate race among the contests where AIPAC's super PAC is spending ¹

Sources

1. NPR, “AIPAC halts endorsements and direct contributions to candidates” (2026-10-22). npr.org/2026/10/21/nx-s1-6011531/aipac-campaign-contribution
2. Jewish Telegraphic Agency, “AIPAC to halt direct campaign contributions and candidate endorsements” (2026-10-21). jta.org/2026/10/21/politics/aipac-to-halt-direct-campaign-co

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