A Pro-Israel PAC Targets Key House Primaries to Influence Democratic Strategy
In a strategic move, a pro-Israel organization is diving into nearly a dozen contentious House primaries, aiming to sway the Democratic Party’s stance on a polarizing issue. The Democratic Majority for Israel PAC (DMFI), established in 2019, is backing 11 candidates in pivotal races, with the hope of influencing the party’s direction as it seeks to reclaim the House.
DMFI’s endorsements, shared exclusively with POLITICO, include candidates in six battleground races and five others within crowded yet secure blue primaries. Among its notable endorsements is moderate state Rep. Shannon Bird, who is competing against the more progressive state Rep. Manny Rutinel for the chance to challenge Rep. Gabe Evans (R-Colo.) in a competitive Colorado district.
In New York, the PAC is supporting Cait Conley, who has entered a high-stakes primary against Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) in a district that narrowly tilted towards Kamala Harris in 2024. Texas sees DMFI endorsing police officer Johnny Garcia in a free-for-all primary for a newly drawn, red-leaning seat, showcasing the group’s diverse support across the political landscape.
In Pennsylvania, DMFI is backing two candidates in some of the state’s most competitive races: Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who will face off against Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.), and former TV anchor Janelle Stelson, who is slated to run against Rep. Scott Perry (R-Pa.). Virginia’s former Rep. Elaine Luria also secured the group’s endorsement as she prepares to challenge her former opponent, Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-Va.).
Additionally, candidates in safe blue districts also find favor with DMFI’s endorsements. These include Maryland state Del. Adrian Boafo, who is running to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.); Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss, who is vying to succeed Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.), who is running for Senate; and former Obama administration official Maura Sullivan, who aims to replace Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.H.)—another contender for the Senate.
“A significant majority of Americans recognize Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state and value the U.S.-Israel relationship,” noted former Rep. Kathy Manning, a board member of DMFI PAC. “If you’re in a competitive district, you must unite Democrats, independents, and even Republicans.”
DMFI, alongside groups like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), is increasing support for pro-Israel candidates through substantial outside spending. While both organizations often align in their endorsements, AIPAC’s bipartisan approach has drawn criticism from progressive factions, contrasting with DMFI’s focus on regaining a Democratic majority.
AIPAC’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, invested over $38 million in independent expenditures during the 2024 cycle, whereas DMFI spent around $4.3 million. DMFI President Brian Romick indicated that the group anticipates a “comfortable” seven-figure expenditure in 2026 but withheld further details on their strategy.
As Illinois gears up for primaries next month, DMFI and AIPAC appear to be on the same page regarding their preferred candidates. DMFI has expressed support for former Rep. Melissa Bean, aiming to replace Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.)—another Senate candidate—and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller, who is running to succeed Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), also in the Senate race.
Both candidates have faced scrutiny over their ties to AIPAC, with primary opponents alleging that they are benefitting from AIPAC’s financial backing, funneled through shell super PACs that amplify their campaigns with significant positive ad spending. However, DMFI has yet to announce an endorsement in Illinois’ 9th District, which is also seeing contentious primary battles where AIPAC has taken an interest.
Earlier this month, AIPAC faced backlash, including from its supporters, after spending $2 million to defeat former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a congressional special election in New Jersey. The investment backfired; although Malinowski was ousted, AIPAC’s favored candidate failed to gain traction, resulting in a victory for progressive organizer Analilia Mejia, who has been vocal in her criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Romick and Manning refrained from commenting on AIPAC’s strategies, with Manning emphasizing that DMFI operates as a “distinctly different and separate organization.” In the previous election cycle, both DMFI and AIPAC targeted former Reps. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.), who both lost their primaries to pro-Israel candidates. Regarding future plans, Romick noted that DMFI would approach the upcoming primaries with an open mindset, ready to adapt as situations evolve.
Jessica Piper contributed reporting.
