Democrats Challenge AIPAC's Primary Clout in New York's June 23 Race
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Democrats Challenge AIPAC's Primary Clout in New York's June 23 Race
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 12
Summary
Brad Lander has made AIPAC a central issue in New York’s June 23 Democratic primary, pledging not to do “AIPAC’s bidding” and pressing incumbent Dan Goldman to curb super PAC money.
That fight reflects a broader Democratic backlash against AIPAC’s role in primaries, with critics casting the pro-Israel lobby alongside Wall Street and crypto as a corrupting force in party politics.
AIPAC wields influence through donor networks and its United Democracy Project super PAC, which can raise and spend unlimited sums to boost pro-Israel candidates or attack opponents.
Goldman has tried to distance himself from that machinery, accepting AIPAC’s endorsement while refusing PAC money and saying he has urged the group to criticize Israel’s government when warranted.
The clash marks a shift for an organization founded in 1948 that was long seen as bipartisan and politically untouchable, even in one of the country’s most Jewish congressional districts.
As public opinion on foreign policy evolves, how might the U.S.-Israel defense agreement be reshaped?
High-Stakes, High-Spending: The Battle Over Israel Policy and Dark Money in New York’s 2026 Democratic Primaries
Overview
The June 23, 2026, Democratic primaries in New York are a major test for AIPAC’s influence and the Democratic Party’s changing stance on U.S.-Israel policy. These races feature unprecedented outside spending and sharp ideological divides, with the debate over Israel policy taking center stage. In key contests like Representative Dan Goldman’s, the race is seen as a referendum on Zionism. While Goldman accepted AIPAC’s endorsement, he has tried to show independence by refusing money from all political action committees. Overall, these primaries highlight the growing tension between establishment figures and progressive challengers, reflecting broader shifts within the party.