All articles tagged with #outside spending
Illinois’ Democratic primaries underscored Gov. JB Pritzker’s clout as Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton moved toward a Senate bid; outside groups spent over $52 million—led by AIPAC—with mixed results, while progressives fell short and turnout hit record levels, signaling money’s growing influence in shaping Illinois’ political landscape ahead of 2028 considerations.
Former Rep. Melissa Bean wins the Democratic primary in Illinois’ 8th District, boosted by nearly $4 million in outside spending from an AIPAC-aligned group and an AI-focused committee, positioning her for a return to Congress to succeed Raja Krishnamoorthi, who is running for the Senate, with a message of pragmatism in a solid blue district.
Illinois Democrats face intraparty battles as retirement of Sen. Durbin and several Chicago-area House members opens contests, with Gov. JB Pritzker backing a lieutenant governor candidate and rivalries among top contenders. Outside money from crypto and AI interests— plus secret-funded groups— is shaping campaigns for the Senate and House, while disagreements over immigration enforcement and Israel policy illustrate the party’s ideological divides ahead of the results.
Outside groups have spent more than $5 million to defeat Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky's May GOP primary after President Trump urged his ouster, with a Republican Jewish Coalition-linked Super PAC and MAGA KY driving the bulk of the money; Massie, a libertarian-leaning incumbent, has some outside support but trails in the cash race as he faces a pro-Trump challenger in a safely Republican district.