$50 Million Spent on N.Y. Primaries Includes A.I. and AIPAC Money

Key Points:

• The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has played a significant yet complex role in New York City’s congressional primaries, despite initially staying publicly neutral amid declining Democratic support for Israel.
• AIPAC’s super PAC, United Democracy Project, contributed $650,000 to Bold America, supporting Representative Adriano Espaillat, an Israel advocate facing a primary challenge from Darializa Avila Chevalier, a first-time candidate endorsed by progressive groups.
• The primary race in New York’s 13th Congressional District has become one of the most expensive in the city’s history, with over $10 million spent and accusations flying about candidates’ ties to Israel and AIPAC funding.
• Ms. Avila Chevalier, supported by the Democratic Socialists of America and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has faced scrutiny for her social media history and participation in an anti-Israel rally shortly after the Hamas attack in October 2023.
• AIPAC’s financial involvement emerged after significant outside spending, highlighting the organization’s strategic influence despite initial public reticence in a politically sensitive environment.