Pro-Israel lobby spends millions on 2026 US midterm races

Millions of dollars are flowing into U.S. congressional races as the 2026 midterm elections near, targeting candidates who have taken public positions critical of Israel. According to filings with the Federal Election Commission and reports from campaign‑finance watchdogs, political action committees, advocacy groups, and individual donors have contributed more than $150 million to primary and general‑election contests in swing districts where incumbents or challengers have expressed support for Palestinian rights or opposed U.S. aid to Israel. The money is concentrated in states such as Arizona, Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania, where several Democratic and Republican hopefuls have faced scrutiny for statements on the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict following the 2023 Gaza war and subsequent diplomatic tensions.

The surge in funding reflects a broader strategic effort by both domestic and international actors to shape U.S. policy toward the Middle East ahead of a pivotal election cycle. Pro‑Palestinian organizations, including the American Friends of Palestine and various progressive super‑PACs, have earmarked resources to bolster candidates who advocate for conditional aid or a reassessment of the U.S.–Israel security partnership. Conversely, pro‑Israel groups such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee have increased their own expenditures to support incumbents and challengers who affirm a strong bilateral alliance. As the midterms approach, the heightened financial activity underscores the growing prominence of foreign‑policy positions in American electoral contests and may influence legislative debates on aid, human‑rights legislation, and diplomatic engagement with Israel.