Citing 'challenges,' AIPAC halts endorsements and direct contributions to candidates

Here is the latest breaking news from around the world: Elections Citing 'challenges,' AIPAC halts endorsements and direct contributions to candidates October 21, 20268:22 PM ET Saige Miller In this file photo from 2023, U. and Israeli flags fill a field in Boston, Massachusetts. Joseph Prezioso/ via Getty Images hide caption toggle caption i Joseph Prezioso/ via Getty Images The pro-Israel political organization AIPAC, or 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.

A longtime influential lobbying group, AIPAC started its direct political involvement five years ago. Since then, particularly 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.

The Details

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

Sponsor Message AIPAC first announced the changes in a letter to members, stating "the challenges we are confronting will continue to grow in the years ahead. " In the letter, AIPAC said it wouldn't stop funneling money to candidates that align with the group's mission by mobilizing individual donors. "We will prioritize increasing direct, organized contributions from individual Americans to candidates—expanding upon our current efforts—and maximizing the emerging political fundraising tools," the letter said.

The letter added that the 2028 cycle will "demand an even stronger commitment by our 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.

What Experts Say

AIPAC contributed nearly $25 million to candidates and political committees in 2026 through Sept. 30, according to FEC filings. Its affiliated super PAC United Democracy Project contributed $13 million to candidates and political committees and spent an additional $53.

5 million in independent expenditures. It's unclear what the role of 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 U.

AIPAC also spent heavily to campaign against El-Sayed in the primary, backing his opponent, Rep.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.