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Aipac spent $55m on losing congressional candidates in midterm elections: Report
A report says Aipac spent more than $84 million in the 2026 US midterm elections, with about $55 million backing candidates who lost. The results were among the organisation’s worst in years, as several candidates it opposed won, amid voter concerns over the US-Israeli war on Iran and the cost of living.
The largest reported outlay against a losing candidate was about $32 million targeting Michigan Democratic Senate victor Abdul El-Sayed; he cited $42 million in his victory speech, possibly including other groups’ spending. Aipac also spent nearly $6 million opposing Daniel Biss, who won Illinois’s 9th district. The group said more than 234 candidates it supported won, while critics pointed to 30 members elected without Aipac ties; the report says the organisation still has influence in Washington.
In short
- Aipac spent about $55 million on candidates who lost.
- Abdul El-Sayed won despite heavy spending against him.
- Aipac still claims influence in Washington.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Aipac’s spending can be defended as participation in democratic politics: supporters may argue that it helps elect candidates who share their views on the US-Israeli relationship and gives its members a voice in policy debates. The group says more than 234 candidates it supported won, suggesting its activity reached many voters and may still influence Washington even where particular races went against it.
The case against
Critics may argue that spending tens of millions of dollars to oppose candidates risks giving a wealthy interest group outsized influence over elections and discouraging debate on US policy towards Israel. The reported defeats, including Abdul El-Sayed’s and Daniel Biss’s victories, may also suggest that voters were not persuaded by that spending, amid concerns about the war with Iran and the cost of living.
Americas Elections Geopolitics Government Middle East Politics World