AIPAC ends candidate endorsements and direct campaign contributions

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has announced it will no longer issue formal candidate endorsements, make direct political action committee (PAC) contributions, or earmark donations for specific candidates. This shift marks a reversal of a strategy the influential pro-Israel lobbying group adopted five years ago.

The organization stated in a letter to members that the decision is intended to create a more “strategic, consequential, and nimble political operation.” AIPAC plans to pivot toward mobilizing individual members to donate directly to candidates and will continue to utilize its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). The UDP is authorized to spend unlimited amounts on independent expenditures, such as advertisements and mailers, but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.

The policy change follows mounting political resistance and criticism. Several Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Cory Booker, have indicated they will reject donations from AIPAC. Analysts suggest the shift comes as the group’s brand has become a political liability for some candidates due to shifting public opinion regarding U.S. policy toward Israel and the conflict in Gaza.