How a new super PAC formed to counter AIPAC is fueling democratic socialists’ wins
How a New Super PAC is Challenging AIPAC’s Influence in Democratic Primaries
How a new super PAC formed – Two years ago, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) leveraged its super PAC to thwart two Democratic lawmakers who had criticized Israel’s policies. Representatives Cori Bush of Missouri and Jamaal Bowman of New York faced significant financial pressure, with AIPAC’s spending efforts aimed at undermining their campaigns. “AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” Bush declared in her concession speech after losing her bid. Now, the landscape has shifted, as AIPAC’s opponents see a growing opportunity to reshape the political terrain. A key player in this new dynamic is American Priorities, a recently formed super PAC that has become a critical force in House Democratic primaries.
Emerging just six months ago, American Priorities has already demonstrated its ability to challenge AIPAC’s dominance. The group has allocated at least $5.6 million to support Democrats who advocate for stronger critiques of Israel, its actions in Gaza, and AIPAC’s influence over the party’s internal elections. This spending has directly contributed to the victories of democratic socialists in recent races, including Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez in New York’s primaries. The PAC also played a pivotal role in helping Melat Kiros defeat Colorado’s Diana DeGette on Tuesday. While AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, continues to outspend American Priorities with over $34 million this cycle, the smaller group has carved out a notable presence in key contests.
Shift in Power Dynamics
For progressives who have long been outspent by AIPAC, American Priorities has emerged as an unexpected ally. Usamah Andrabi, a spokesperson for Justice Democrats, a progressive organization often aligned with the PAC, noted that the 2024 cycle has been “a bruising one for us, but a real building cycle.” He emphasized that the group’s efforts have started to show tangible results, with supporters now recognizing the impact of this counterweight. “We are seeing the fruits of this labor,” Andrabi said. This sentiment reflects a broader optimism among Democrats who feel empowered by the PAC’s growing role in funding campaigns that prioritize progressive values.
American Priorities was established with a clear mission: to counter AIPAC’s influence in primaries. Greg Krieg, the PAC’s spokesperson, explained that the group’s formation was driven by the belief that “there was nothing close to a countervailing force” to AIPAC’s efforts. “The idea was to build a spending force that would back people who speak plainly about what most Democratic voters—and indeed most Americans—already believe,” Krieg stated. By supporting candidates who challenge AIPAC’s agenda, the PAC aims to ensure that truth-telling isn’t overshadowed by financial disparity. This approach has resonated with grassroots activists, many of whom feel that big money in politics has traditionally tilted the scales in AIPAC’s favor.
Strategic Spending and Political Impact
Despite its smaller budget compared to AIPAC’s, American Priorities has shown agility in its spending. As of June 3, the PAC had raised $5.5 million, a figure that, while modest, underscores its ability to target specific races with precision. In critical moments, the group has deployed up to $1 million in individual contests, often at the final stages of campaigns. This strategy has proven vital in races like the one involving Darializa Avila Chevalier, where a late AIPAC-funded ad blitz focused on her past controversial tweets posed a significant threat. American Priorities countered with multiple TV and digital ads, highlighting her support from New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and framing her as more confrontational toward U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) than the incumbent, Adriano Espaillat.
Justice Democrats, which collaborates with American Priorities, acknowledged the PAC’s role in securing Avila Chevalier’s victory. In a statement, the group said, “Avila Chevalier would not have won without the support of American Priorities.” This assertion highlights the PAC’s significance in mobilizing resources for candidates who align with progressive priorities. While AIPAC’s spending in House primaries, such as its $6 million investment in a recent Maryland race, remains substantial, American Priorities has introduced a new dimension to the competition. Its ability to act swiftly and decisively in pivotal moments has allowed it to influence outcomes in ways that were previously difficult for anti-AIPAC Democrats.
Patrick Dorton, a spokesperson for the United Democracy Project, defended AIPAC’s approach, arguing that the same scrutiny applied to its super PAC should extend to “anti-Israel dark money.” Dorton noted that American Priorities’ activities are part of a broader effort to counter AIPAC’s influence, but he emphasized that the super PAC maintains its own strategic autonomy. “Our own independent decisions are based on evaluating each race,” he said. This perspective reflects the ongoing tension between the two groups: AIPAC seeks to maintain its stronghold, while American Priorities aims to disrupt its influence through targeted support.
Cori Bush, who is now running for her former seat in an August primary, recently shared her views on the evolving landscape. “I don’t know much about American Priorities,” she admitted, but she acknowledged that opponents of AIPAC are now “need to go full force” to challenge its dominance. Bush emphasized the importance of reducing the influence of big money in politics, stating, “I truly believe we need to get the big money out of politics.” She highlighted the need for a counterweight to AIPAC and other entities like cryptocurrency firms, real estate developers, and pharmaceutical companies, which she described as “war profiteers” and “ICE contractors.” For Bush, the rise of American Priorities represents a shift toward more grassroots-driven politics.
As the 2024 election cycle progresses, the competition between AIPAC and its growing opposition intensifies. American Priorities’ success in key races has not only bolstered democratic socialists but also inspired a new wave of candidates to challenge the status quo. The PAC’s strategic use of resources, combined with its alignment with progressive groups, has created a more balanced playing field in primaries. While AIPAC’s financial reach remains formidable, the emergence of American Priorities signals a changing tide in the fight over political influence. For now, the group’s impact is felt in the battles over Israel policy, but its long-term implications could extend to other issues, reshaping the Democratic Party’s priorities and funding landscape.
The formation of American Priorities marks a significant step in the broader movement to diversify political spending. By focusing on candidates who articulate anti-AIPAC sentiments and critical stances on Israel, the PAC has aligned itself with the values of a growing segment of Democratic voters. Its ability to mobilize funds quickly and target specific races has made it a formidable player in the primaries, even as it continues to operate on a smaller scale than AIPAC’s super PAC. As more races unfold, the group’s role in determining the direction of the Democratic Party may become increasingly prominent, challenging the traditional dominance of well-funded interest groups in shaping political outcomes.