Citing Challenges, AIPAC Halts Endorsements and Direct Contributions to Candidates

The pro-Israel political organisation AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, announced on Wednesday that it will no longer issue endorsements, make direct PAC contributions or earmark funds for candidates. The decision by the influential lobbying group signals a major change in United States electoral politics.

A longtime influential lobbying group, AIPAC started its direct political involvement five years ago. Since then, particularly in this midterm election cycle, AIPAC has been met with mounting resistance. The group has faced criticism over its stances on various issues, including the wars in Gaza and Iran.

Candidates endorsed by AIPAC have also faced tough opposition from both the political right and the political left for accepting the organisation's support and financial contributions, as public opinion on the US relationship with Israel has shifted. In order to tame the criticism, some AIPAC-endorsed candidates said they will not accept any money from the organisation.

AIPAC first announced the changes in a letter to members, stating that the challenges it is confronting will continue to grow in the years ahead. In the letter, AIPAC said it would not stop funnelling money to candidates that align with the group's mission, but would do so by mobilising individual donors.

The letter said it will prioritise increasing direct, organised contributions from individual Americans to candidates, expanding upon its current efforts, and maximising emerging political fundraising tools.

The letter added that the 2028 cycle will demand an even stronger commitment by its activists to pro-Israel politics. As a result, the group plans to increase support for the Republicans and Democrats who are advancing policies that strengthen America's alliance with Israel and standing up against anti-Israel legislation. A spokesperson for AIPAC did not immediately return NPR's request for comment.

AIPAC contributed nearly $25 million to candidates and political committees in 2026 through September 30, according to FEC filings. Its affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, contributed $13 million to candidates and political committees and spent an additional $53.5 million in independent expenditures. It is unclear what the role of the United Democracy Project will be moving forward.

In recent days, though, several of its individual independent expenditures are being used to campaign against Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic nominee for US Senate in Michigan. AIPAC also spent heavily to campaign against El-Sayed in the primary, backing his opponent, Representative Haley Stevens.

The Michigan Senate contest is just one of the high-profile races where AIPAC has spent in favour of a pro-Israel politician or in opposition to someone the organisation sees as less favourable to Israel.

Against this background, the announcement halting direct endorsements and contributions signals a change in AIPAC's strategy. Instead of giving money directly in its own name, organising individual donors will now be its main route.

How this change alters candidates' campaigns and pro-Israel lobbying in coming elections remains to be seen.