Pro-Israel Group Spends Big in Illinois Race as Democrats Split on Middle East

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee is investing nearly $2 million in an Illinois congressional primary, testing its political influence amid growing Democratic divisions over Israel. The lobbying organization is backing Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin while facing criticism over undisclosed campaign funding.

WASHINGTON — The American Israel Public Affairs Committee finds itself at the center of another contentious Democratic primary battle in Illinois, where the influential lobbying group is investing heavily to shape the outcome of a congressional race.

The organization, commonly known as AIPAC, has committed at least $1.9 million in television advertising through its super PAC to support Chicago city treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin in her bid to succeed retiring Rep. Danny Davis. Conyears-Ervin faces more than a dozen rivals in the March 17 Democratic primary.

Additional groups suspected of having ties to AIPAC are also pouring money into Illinois races, adding fuel to an already intense political atmosphere in a state famous for its aggressive campaign tactics.

This latest spending blitz follows AIPAC’s controversial involvement in a New Jersey special election, where the group invested nearly $2 million targeting former congressman Tom Malinowski. That effort ultimately failed when progressive candidate Analilia Mejia, who has been critical of Israel, narrowly defeated Malinowski.

Despite the setback and widespread criticism, AIPAC shows no signs of scaling back its political activities.

“We expect to be involved in dozens of races both in primaries and general elections this cycle,” said Patrick Dorton, a spokesman for AIPAC’s affiliated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, or UDP.

The organization has intensified its political engagement as Democratic support for Israel faces increasing challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, threatening the historically bipartisan backing for military aid to the longtime ally. However, AIPAC’s aggressive primary interventions risk deepening divisions within the Democratic Party.

Campaign finance regulations make it extremely difficult to trace the sources of much of the money flowing into Illinois races. While UDP openly acknowledges its AIPAC connection, newer organizations like Elect Chicago Women and Affordable Chicago Now are not required to reveal their donors until after the primary election.

Critics believe these groups serve as channels for AIPAC funding, though the organization has refused to confirm or deny any connections.

According to AdImpact, a nonpartisan advertising tracking service, UDP, Elect Chicago Women, and Affordable Chicago Now rank among the top four spenders on House race advertisements, with combined expenditures approaching $11 million, most of it directed toward Illinois contests.

Notably, none of these organizations reference Israel in their campaign advertisements, following a pattern used by AIPAC-affiliated groups in previous elections.

In New Jersey, the United Democracy Project attacked Malinowski by claiming he supported President Donald Trump’s deportation policies, attempting to undermine his standing with progressive voters. In Illinois, the group promotes Conyears-Ervin by emphasizing her commitment to reducing costs and defending healthcare access.

This approach has fueled suspicions and anxiety about AIPAC’s political reach. Pro-Israel advocates argue that critics are employing antisemitic stereotypes about divided loyalties, while others contend that the focus on AIPAC misses the broader issue.

“I think the folks who are talking the most about AIPAC are seeking to demonize Israel and create a break in the U.S.-Israel relationship,” said Rep. Brad Schneider, a Democrat representing Illinois’ 10th district.

“The problem is Citizens United and the decision to allow dark money,” added Schneider, who co-chairs the Congressional Jewish Caucus. “The problem is the rules. Let’s fix the rules.”

Several candidates have criticized their opponents for accepting AIPAC support. Four progressive candidates running for different Illinois congressional seats held a joint February press conference denouncing the organization’s involvement in state primaries. Another candidate is marketing anti-AIPAC t-shirts through her campaign website.

Malinowski remains bitter about his experience as an AIPAC target and has vowed not to endorse any candidates supported by the organization this year. He maintains his pro-Israel stance despite opposing unconditional aid to the country, a position that drew AIPAC’s opposition.

“Obviously, we were going to talk about Israel and Gaza in the campaign because many voters would be asking questions about it,” Malinowski said. “But I wanted those discussions to be about the substance, not colored by baggage of endorsements from groups that are controversial now.”

AIPAC characterized Mejia’s primary victory as “an anticipated possibility,” indicating no regret that their involvement may have helped elect a candidate who has labeled Israel’s Gaza actions as genocide.

While AIPAC has maintained political activities for decades, it only began direct campaign spending during the 2022 midterm elections.

Federal Election Commission records show the organization has spent over $221 million through its traditional PAC and super PAC between December 2021 and January 2026.

The super PAC has concentrated primarily on Democratic primaries. During the 2022 and 2024 election cycles, UDP invested at least $1 million supporting or opposing 18 candidates, with 16 of them being Democrats. Many of these candidates were competing in open seat races.

Traditional PACs can raise and contribute up to $5,000 per candidate per election and may coordinate directly with campaigns. Super PACs face no fundraising or spending restrictions but cannot make direct contributions to candidates or coordinate communications with them.

In 2024, UDP’s largest investments supported centrist candidates challenging progressive incumbents. The group spent more than $13 million in New York’s 16th District Democratic primary, where current Rep. George Latimer defeated former Rep. Jamaal Bowman. It also invested $8.5 million opposing former Rep. Cori Bush, who lost her primary to Rep. Wesley Bell.