Democrats reject AIPAC funding for 2028 presidential runs, Israel support now electoral liability

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee – AIPAC – is one of the most powerful and controversial lobbying organizations in the United States. Generally considered among the most influential lobbying groups, its mission is to influence American politics on issues and legislation in support of Israel.

AIPAC has long been a source of intense controversy, with its vast resources allowing it to support politicians who support Israel and punish anyone critical of it. Despite this, as support for Israel has historically been high in the United States, being paid by AIPAC traditionally hasn’t affected anyone’s chances of being elected.

Until now. Public opinion of Israel in the United States has cratered due to the Gaza Genocide, combined with the growing perception that Benjamin Netanyahu has dragged Donald Trump into a pointless and bloody war with Iran.

Kamala Harris’ crushing loss in the 2024 election was partly blamed on her refusal to criticize Israel, costing her critical support from progressives and Muslim voters. Now, with the 2028 presidential campaign looming, AIPAC support has become a millstone around prospective candidates’ necks, and they’re eager to underline they aren’t taking their money.

Is AIPAC losing power?

This House Democrat may lose her primary over past support for Israel https://t.co/YyEdHgLmH3

— POLITICO (@politico) March 2, 2026

Politico reports multiple potential 2028 nominees saying they want nothing to do with AIPAC. Cory Booker says he’s “sworn off” taking AIPAC’s money, Gavin Newsom says he “never will” accept funding from them, Ruben Gallego “wouldn’t take AIPAC money”, and Josh Shapiro said he’s “never taken money or solicited support from AIPAC”, and Andy Beshear’s spokesperson said “AIPAC has never contributed to Gov. Beshear and they’re never going to. Ever.”

2028 Dems reject AIPAC https://t.co/iCHYiyopqa

— POLITICO (@politico) March 24, 2026

Is AIPAC’s (and by extension, Israel’s) power waning amongst American voters? It’s worth looking to the 2025 New York City mayoral election for a hint of what may be coming. Zohran Mamdani was and is an unapologetic supporter of Palestinian self-determination, and AIPAC pulled out all the stops to crush him. Millions of dollars spent and countless smears later, Mamdani waltzed into power with 43% of the vote.

Democratic strategist Mark Longabaugh says things may have permanently changed for AIPAC:

“This is going to be a huge flashpoint in the primary throughout 2027 and into 2028. The constitution of the party just in the makeup of the voters has changed dramatically. The politics of Israel has changed dramatically.”

Needless to say, AIPAC is not happy, with their spokesperson Deryn Sousa describing politicians refusing to take their money as “undemocratic“: “efforts to push pro-Israel Democrats out of the political process are alarming and fundamentally undemocratic.”

All of which means a sea change may be coming to US/Israeli relations. Israel has long relied on the United States for equipment and funding but, as even moderates like Gavin Newsom admit, it might not be too long before they have to stand up for themselves without the United States backing them up.