Progressive coalition aims to counter AIPAC in US elections

A progressive campaign has been launched to counter the influence of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in US elections.

Simply called Reject AIPAC, the new organisation, announced on Monday, is composed of a coalition of around two dozen progressive groups, including Justice Democrats, Our Revolution, the Sunrise Movement, and multiple progressive Jewish groups.

"Reject AIPAC is a broad coalition of progressive groups working together to take on the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated dark money Super PACs across electoral, political, digital and organizing strategies," the new coalition said in a public statement.

"The coalition calls on candidates for federal office to take the Reject AIPAC Pledge to not take endorsements or contributions from AIPAC and/or aligned PACs," the statement continued, a pledge that could potentially put pressure on Democratic candidates to not accept from the Israel lobby group, whose popularity has been waning among Democrats in recent years.

AIPAC is facing growing criticism of their positions. Among the most controversial have been their endorsements of more than 100 election deniers in 2020, their successful ad campaign to oust progressive Jewish House member Andy Levin in 2022, and their ties with far-right-wing evangelical Christians, some of whom have promoted antisemitic positions and conspiracy theories.

The lobby group has come under further scrutiny with its support for Israel's war on Gaza, which many in the left wing of the Democratic Party oppose.

The move comes about as AIPAC is reportedly spending $100 million during the 2024 campaign season, targeting candidates who have spoken out against Israel as well as others whose progressive platforms could be a predictor of pro-Palestinian sentiment in the future.