New York, United States – Pro-Israel groups are steadily increasing their influence in Democratic primaries for Congress, with the unprecedented effort to unseat Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) capturing national attention due to its potential impact on the party’s stance on the war in Gaza.
The bid to remove Bowman from office marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate within the Democratic Party regarding relations with Israel. Despite the growing financial support for pro-Israel groups in key races, their success rate remains mixed, highlighting the complexities of the issue within the party.
The United Democracy Project super PAC, in alignment with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and Democratic Majority for Israel, has invested over $60 million in Democratic congressional primaries since 2020. A notable portion of this funding, exceeding $16 million, has been directed at unseating Bowman, surpassing their spending in any other race and setting a new high watermark for financial influence in a congressional primary.
While these groups have a track record of success in their targeted races, their monetary investment does not always guarantee victory. The outcome of Bowman’s primary race against Westchester County Executive George Latimer will serve as a litmus test for the effectiveness of their campaign strategies.
Despite the significant financial backing from pro-Israel groups, some high-profile incumbents like Rep. Marie Newman (D-Ill.) and Rep. Andy Levin (D-Mich.) have managed to maintain their positions despite being targeted. The influence of these groups is further complicated when facing lawmakers aligned with progressive factions like “The Squad.”
In addition to the high-stake battle against Bowman, the pro-Israel groups have also directed resources towards Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.), another member aligned with “The Squad,” in a primary race scheduled for August 6th. The outcome of these primaries has the potential to reshape the landscape of the Democratic Party’s stance on Israel-related issues.
As the election unfolds, the intense focus on Bowman’s race underscores the significance of these primary battles and the broader implications for Democratic lawmakers. The results have the potential to influence the behavior of party members in future elections and shape the discourse around U.S.-Israel relations within the Democratic Party.