Potential 2028 Democratic Presidential Candidates Distance Themselves from AIPAC Funding

Leading Democrats eyeing a 2028 presidential run are proactively distancing themselves from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. Figures including Senator Cory Booker, Governor Gavin Newsom, and Senator Ruben Gallego have publicly pledged to reject or avoid financial support from the organization. This trend reflects a significant shift within the Democratic Party, as many prominent members now view the historically bipartisan group as being too closely aligned with the right-wing policies of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The move serves as an early indicator of the political landscape for the upcoming presidential primary. Strategists suggest that the party's base has undergone a substantial transformation, with liberal voters increasingly critical of Israel’s current government and its foreign policy actions. By rejecting AIPAC, these potential candidates are attempting to align themselves with a shifting electorate that views the group as a liability rather than a traditional ally. While some politicians cite broad policies against all political action committee money, others explicitly frame their rejection as a protest against the organization's recent political activities and its perceived interference in Democratic primaries. This emerging consensus highlights a deepening divide that is expected to remain a central flashpoint throughout the 2028 election cycle.