How a new super PAC formed to counter AIPAC is fueling democratic socialists’ wins

How a New Super PAC Formed to Counter AIPAC Is Fueling Democratic Socialists’ Wins

Shift in the Political Landscape

How a new super PAC formed – Two years ago, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) leveraged its substantial financial resources to challenge two outspoken critics of Israel in House races—Reps. Cori Bush of Missouri and Jamaal Bowman of New York. Their defeat marked a turning point in the influence of AIPAC’s super PAC, which had spent millions to undermine candidates who voiced strong opposition to U.S. policies in the Middle East. Now, AIPAC’s detractors are gaining ground, and a new organization, American Priorities, is playing a pivotal role in this transformation. This group, established just six months prior, has already made a significant impact in Democratic primaries, strategically investing in candidates who advocate for a more critical stance toward Israel, its Gaza conflict, and AIPAC’s political dominance.

“AIPAC, I’m coming to tear your kingdom down,” Bush declared during her concession speech after losing to AIPAC-backed opponents. Her words, once a solitary statement, now resonate with a broader movement challenging the group’s influence.

A New Force in Democratic Primaries

With a budget of at least $5.6 million, American Priorities has become a formidable player in House Democratic races. Its focus on supporting candidates who openly critique Israel’s policies and AIPAC’s role in shaping them has allowed it to emerge as a counterweight to the traditional power dynamics in primaries. The PAC’s influence was evident in recent New York elections, where it played a critical role in the victories of democratic socialists Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez. Additionally, it contributed to the success of Melat Kiros in defeating Colorado Rep. Diana DeGette. These wins signal a shift in the political strategy of the anti-AIPAC left, which has long struggled against the financial might of the United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s primary competitor.

The United Democracy Project, despite its substantial spending of over $34 million in this election cycle, has not yet faced direct competition from American Priorities in most races. Instead, the two groups have chosen to target specific contests strategically, ensuring their efforts are focused where they can have the most impact. This approach has allowed American Priorities to gain traction without overshadowing AIPAC’s larger financial presence. For progressives who have historically been outspent by AIPAC’s super PAC, the organization’s rapid rise is seen as a turning point in the battle for Democratic representation.

Grassroots Momentum and Strategic Vision

Usamah Andrabi, a representative from Justice Democrats—a progressive group often aligned with American Priorities—highlighted the importance of the 2024 cycle as a “bruising but building” period for their movement. “We’re seeing the tangible results of our efforts,” Andrabi noted in a statement, emphasizing the long-term strategy behind the PAC’s formation. According to Greg Krieg, a spokesperson for American Priorities, the organization was created to address a critical gap in the Democratic primary landscape. “There was no force strong enough to counter AIPAC’s influence,” Krieg explained. “The goal was to build a spending power that supports candidates who articulate the views many Democratic voters—indeed, most Americans—already hold.”

This ideological shift is testing the resolve of progressive candidates, who have traditionally opposed not only AIPAC’s financial dominance but also the role of large donors in politics. American Priorities’ aggressive fundraising and targeted ad campaigns have challenged this stance, forcing some Democrats to reconsider their reliance on big money. Patrick Dorton, a spokesperson for the United Democracy Project, acknowledged this tension, stating, “The same scrutiny applied to AIPAC’s super PAC must also apply to anti-Israel dark money.” Dorton added that while American Priorities has disrupted the status quo, the United Democracy Project remains independent in its decisions, evaluating each race based on its own criteria.

AIPAC’s Influence Still Dominates

Despite American Priorities’ growing presence, AIPAC’s financial power continues to outpace its rivals. The United Democracy Project has spent nearly $34 million this cycle, with one recent primary in Maryland seeing AIPAC’s preferred candidate secure victory after receiving close to $6 million in support. In contrast, American Priorities has raised $5.5 million as of June 3, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. While this figure is smaller in scale, it reflects a new capacity to fund individual races strategically, often at critical moments when candidates face intense opposition.

The PAC’s operations have been particularly effective in New York City, where it helped Darializa Avila Chevalier overcome a late-summer ad blitz funded by AIPAC. This campaign targeted Chevalier’s past controversial tweets, attempting to sway voters against her. However, American Priorities countered with a barrage of TV and digital ads highlighting her endorsements from prominent figures like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. These efforts emphasized Chevalier’s alignment with progressive policies, contrasting her with the incumbent, Rep. Adriano Espaillat, who was perceived as less assertive on issues like immigration and border control.

Grassroots Challenges and Political Realities

Cori Bush, who is now running again for her old seat in an August primary, recently shared her perspective on the growing influence of American Priorities. While she admitted to being unfamiliar with the group’s full operations, she praised its role in empowering AIPAC’s opponents. “We need to go full force to combat AIPAC’s influence,” Bush stated. “Having a counterweight to these big players—like cryptocurrency magnates, real estate giants, and war profiteers—will help us strengthen our grassroots movement.”

Bush’s remarks underscore the challenges faced by progressive candidates, who often struggle to match the financial firepower of entrenched groups. American Priorities has provided a much-needed boost, allowing grassroots advocates to compete more effectively. However, the PAC’s success has also raised questions about the long-term sustainability of such efforts. Justice Democrats, a key ally of American Priorities, credited the PAC for Chevalier’s victory, stating, “Without American Priorities’ support, Avila Chevalier wouldn’t have won.” This collaboration between organizations highlights the evolving alliances within the Democratic Party, as candidates and activists seek to balance ideological purity with practical political strategies.

Looking Ahead: A Test for Progressives

As American Priorities continues to expand its reach, its impact on the Democratic primary landscape will likely grow. The group has already invested in eight races, including support for democratic socialist Chris Rabb in a contested House seat in Philadelphia. These efforts demonstrate a new willingness to act decisively in key battlegrounds, even as the broader movement grapples with the tension between spending big and staying true to its anti-corporate values.

The PAC’s emergence marks a significant development in the fight against AIPAC’s influence. By focusing on candidates who align with progressive priorities, it has provided a platform for grassroots voices to gain traction. Yet, the success of American Priorities also raises questions about the future of political spending in the Democratic Party. Will this newfound strength lead to a lasting shift in the balance of power, or will it merely be a temporary reprieve against AIPAC’s entrenched dominance? As the 2024 cycle progresses, these questions will remain central to the ongoing debate about the role of money in American politics.

In the end, American Priorities represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. Its ability to fund campaigns in critical races has given candidates like Chevalier and Valdez a fighting chance, even as AIPAC and its allies continue to dominate fundraising and advertising. For now, the group’s efforts are being hailed as a key factor in the changing dynamics of the primaries, offering hope to those who have long felt sidelined by the financial machine of big donors. Whether this momentum can be sustained remains to be seen, but the groundwork laid by American Priorities suggests a new era in the battle for Democratic control.