AIPAC ends its candidate endorsements and direct PAC donations

The lobby group will keep its super PAC, the United Democracy Project, which has spent tens of millions of dollars in congressional races. It says it will push for more direct giving by individual Americans.

AIPAC-linked money this cycle

• Members' direct gifts: over US$90 million
• Super PAC spending: US$80 million
• Its own PAC: just over US$3 million

Only the group's own PAC, which gave just over US$3 million this cycle, is being dropped; members' gifts and the super PAC are separate.

"Endorsements, direct PAC contributions, and earmarking will no longer be part of our approach so we can expand individual giving and utilize new tools to help our friends win."

— AIPAC, in a letter to members

Background

The move follows scrutiny from activists on the far left and far right. Earlier this year AIPAC suspended fundraising for 18 House Democrats who voted to cut US aid to Israel.