Image courtesy of NBC News. From ‘New super PAC launches to counter AIPAC spending in Democratic primaries’ (February 20, 2026). Credit: Ben Kamisar. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/new-super-pac-launches-counter-aipac-spending-democratic-primaries-rcna259448. © Original owner. Used under fair use.
A New Super PAC to Counter AIPAC Spending in Democratic Primaries
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In recent years, pro-Israel groups have spent tens of millions of dollars to shape Democratic primaries. Now, a new progressive group, American Priorities, is promising to spend at least $10 million to boost preferred candidates and counter this spending in key races throughout the country. This move represents a generational inflection point for the Democratic Party, where there is an opportunity to elect Congresspeople whose views on foreign policy align with the evolving base of the party.
Background and Context
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American Priorities has not previously disclosed its plans, but now campaign finance filings reveal that it will spend “eight figures” in at least 10 races where independent expenditures can move outcomes. One of these races is for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District, where progressive candidate Allam is challenging incumbent Foushee, who has previously received support from pro-Israel groups like United Democracy Project (UDP).
Recent Developments and Analysis
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American Priorities will be led by Hannah Fertig, a strategist who served in key roles on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign and for the progressive, incumbent-challenging group Justice Democrats. The group is also working with progressive consulting firms like Middle Seat and Fight Agency.
This new super PAC’s move comes after pro-Israel groups have spent millions of dollars against progressive candidates in Democratic primaries. Foushee has criticized Allam over his past support for Israel, and Allam has accused Foushee of being an anti-Semitic candidate who seeks to weaken the relationship between the United States and Israel.
However, UDP has not spent money on the race this time around. Instead, Foushee has co-sponsored legislation to block arms sales to Israel because she believes that the indiscriminate killing of innocent Palestinians cannot continue. This highlights the widening rift between pro-Israel groups and progressives, with UDP’s spending seen as an incursion by Republicans into Democratic Party politics.
Impact and Analysis
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The impact of this new super PAC’s move will be significant, particularly for North Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District. If successful, American Priorities’ intervention could help Foushee defeat Allam and maintain the Democrats’ control of the district. The broader implications of this move are that it represents an opportunity for progressives to align with the evolving base of the Democratic Party, who seek candidates whose views on foreign policy reflect their own concerns about issues like human rights and social justice.
The Other Side
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Despite American Priorities’ efforts to counter UDP’s spending in key races, there are those who disagree with this approach. Patrick Dorton, a spokesperson for UDP, says that “Americans have the right to engage in the political process according to the laws.” He suggests that if American Priorities is subject to the same scrutiny and demonization from the far-left as UDP has faced, it exposes their pure hypocrisy and double standards.
For Everyday Americans
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This move by American Priorities means a lot for everyday Americans who are concerned about issues like human rights and social justice. By countering pro-Israel groups’ spending on candidates whose views may not align with the base of the Democratic Party, American Priorities is giving voice to those who seek candidates whose views better reflect their own concerns.
What Comes Next
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As election season continues, it will be interesting to see how American Priorities’ efforts in key races pan out. It is clear that the group is committed to spending at least $10 million on campaigns throughout the country, with a focus on competitive primaries where independent expenditures can move outcomes. If successful, this move could signal a shift in political direction for the Democratic Party and their approach to foreign policy.
Conclusion
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The new super PAC American Priorities’ efforts to counter pro-Israel groups’ spending on candidates represents an opportunity for progressives to align with the evolving base of the Democratic Party. While some may disagree with this approach, there is no denying that it has the potential to impact the outcome of key races and the broader political landscape. As always, it is up to everyday Americans to stay informed and engaged in the political process.
Do you think American Priorities’ move to counter UDP’s spending is a positive or negative development for the Democratic Party? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Source:
NBC News