Anti-AIPAC Super PAC Targets Nine House Democrats for 2028 Primaries

Key points

• American Priorities identified nine House Democrats as targets for 2028 primary challenges, including Ritchie Torres, George Latimer, Laura Gillen, and Tom Suozzi from New York.
• The group also targets Jared Moskowitz (FL), Greg Landsman (OH), Melissa Bean (IL), Adrian Boafo (MD), and Ben McAdams (UT), noting some are not yet in office but are favored to win in November.
• American Priorities spent over $6 million in 2026 and plans to invest more in 2028, claiming 12 primary wins and one loss this year.
• The super PAC stated that Gaza is a 'credibility test' for candidates and that targeted Democrats can remove themselves from the list by disavowing AIPAC and supporting Palestinian human rights policies.
• American Priorities plans to support Rep. Valerie Foushee in 2028, reversing its 2026 opposition after she pivoted on AIPAC support.
• The group intends to participate in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary and Senate races in New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin, though specific candidates are not yet named.

Background

This development follows a period of increased political polarization over Israel-Palestine issues, where progressive candidates have gained traction by opposing AIPAC. In 2026, American Priorities helped power primary victories for democratic socialists and progressives, including in New York, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani backed candidates with hard-line stances against Israel. The group’s 2026 spending and primary successes have emboldened it to expand its 2028 strategy, targeting sitting members and favored nominees. This contrasts with AIPAC’s continued influence, which has supported over 300 pro-Israel Democrats and Republicans. The 2028 cycle is expected to see heightened competition between pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian factions within the Democratic Party, particularly in key states like New York, Florida, and Ohio.

Why it matters

The targeting of nine House Democrats by American Priorities signals a significant escalation in intra-party conflict over Israel-Palestine policy. With the group planning to increase spending and enter presidential and Senate races, the 2028 cycle may see a sharper divide between progressive and establishment Democrats. The success or failure of these challenges could influence the broader Democratic platform on foreign policy and affect the electoral viability of candidates who support AIPAC. Additionally, the group’s involvement in the presidential primary could shape the trajectory of the Democratic nomination, particularly if pro-Palestinian contenders like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez or Ro Khanna gain momentum.

What to watch

American Priorities will likely announce specific candidates it supports or opposes in the 2028 Democratic presidential primary and Senate races in New York, Colorado, and Wisconsin. The group may also intensify its opposition to the nine targeted House Democrats, potentially funding primary challengers or launching negative ad campaigns. AIPAC and its allies are expected to respond with counter-campaigns, emphasizing their track record of electoral success. The outcome of the 2026 general elections, particularly in the targeted districts, will provide early indicators of the viability of American Priorities’ 2028 strategy.