House Democrat withdraws endorsement in Chicago-area race over AIPAC funding

Rep. Jan Schakowsky Withdraws Support for Democratic Candidate Amid AIPAC Concerns

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) has decided to retract her endorsement of a Democratic congressional candidate in a nearby Chicago-area district, citing unease regarding campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC).

Schakowsky, who represents Illinois’ 9th District and had previously endorsed Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller in the crowded primary for Illinois’ 2nd District, expressed her discontent in a statement on Thursday. She emphasized her stance against candidates supported by “outside interests.”

“Illinois deserves leaders who prioritize their constituents over AIPAC or out-of-state Trump donors,” Schakowsky proclaimed.

Despite stepping back from her support for Miller, the long-serving Illinois Congresswoman reaffirmed her endorsement of Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss to succeed her, highlighting his refusal to accept funding from AIPAC as a key factor in her decision.

“I cannot endorse any candidate for Congress who is backed by these external influences. This is one of many reasons I am supporting Daniel Biss in IL-09. Daniel’s commitment to prioritizing Illinois families over outside pressures is unwavering,” Schakowsky stated.

The Chicago Sun-Times was the first to report on Schakowsky’s withdrawal of support. In response, Miller’s campaign emphasized her long-standing friendship with Schakowsky and asserted the diversity of her campaign’s support base.

“Rep. Schakowsky and Commissioner Miller have been friends for over 20 years. Donna’s support illustrates the broad coalition backing her campaign, comprised of individuals who believe in her vision for change. She is dedicated to addressing the issues that impact working families, and this message is resonating with voters,” Miller’s campaign articulated in a statement.

Concerns regarding affiliations with pro-Israel organizations have emerged as a defining issue in several House Democratic primaries across the country, particularly in Illinois, where both AIPAC and the Democratic Majority For Israel PAC are actively pushing for favorable outcomes in their preferred candidates.

On Thursday, DMFI PAC announced endorsements for 11 pro-Israel Democrats nationwide, including Miller.

AIPAC’s involvement in Illinois primaries has been a frequent target for criticism from opponents, particularly as the Democratic Party navigates its relationship with Israel in the wake of declining support amidst the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Furthermore, AIPAC’s campaign strategies have recently come under scrutiny, particularly after a failed attempt to unseat former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a New Jersey special election. While Malinowski was defeated, progressive activist Analilia Mejia, who has publicly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, emerged victorious in the crowded primary.

Shia Kapos contributed to this report.