Several congressional primaries that took place in New York City on Tuesday featured significant influence from outside spending and political advocacy groups, most notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated super PACs. While AIPAC initially refrained from active financial involvement amid waning Democratic support for Israel, its presence nonetheless shaped campaign narratives and spending in key races.

In the 13th Congressional District, representing Upper Manhattan and parts of the Bronx, the race between incumbent Representative Adriano Espaillat, an Israel supporter, and challenger Darializa Avila Chevalier drew heightened attention due to AIPAC-related funding. Although AIPAC did not openly endorse candidates early in the cycle, its super PAC, United Democracy Project, contributed $650,000 in May to Bold America, a group backing Espaillat. This financial support emerged as part of nearly $10 million spent in the crowded primary.

Avila Chevalier, endorsed by the city’s Democratic Socialists of America chapter and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, has been a vocal critic of Israel and its military actions, notably participating in a rally condemning Israel on October 8, 2023—one day after Hamas’s attack that intensified the conflict in Gaza. Her campaign and supporters have accused Espaillat of being constrained by AIPAC’s influence due to his past acceptance of contributions linked to the group, arguing this has affected his positions on U.S. aid and Israel’s policies. Espaillat refutes these claims, emphasizing his commitment to a two-state solution and maintaining that donations do not dictate his legislative decisions.

The spending surge reached its apex in the 12th Congressional District, where Representative Jerrold Nadler’s open seat attracted significant financial input, nearing $40 million. This contest drew comparatively little direct involvement from AIPAC but was heavily impacted by other outside interests including artificial intelligence industry groups supporting Assemblyman Alex Bores, and former Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s pledge of up to $5 million to back Assemblyman Micah Lasher.

Outside spending across these contests has introduced a flood of cash into New York City congressional primaries, creating an unprecedented environment where super PACs spend aggressively while candidates publicly criticize the influence of dark money. Many of these super PAC donors remain undisclosed until after elections.

In the 7th Congressional District race that includes parts of Brooklyn and Queens, candidate Claire Valdez, backed by Justice Democrats and Mamdani, has faced controversy over alleged AIPAC support for her rival, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. Valdez’s campaign linked Reynoso to super PAC Real Fight NYC, which has spent upwards of $400,000 but denies receiving funds from AIPAC. Representatives for AIPAC also denied involvement with Real Fight NYC. Spending in this race totals about $2 million.

In the 10th Congressional District, where former city comptroller Brad Lander challenges Representative Dan Goldman, accusations surfaced regarding Goldman’s ties to pro-Israel donors aligned with AIPAC. Goldman has not accepted direct AIPAC funding, although contributions from individuals connected to the group have been funneled through other channels. Outside spending in this district has surpassed $500,000.

Advocates acknowledge that substantial financial investments are integral to modern campaigns. Katharine Pichardo, president and CEO of the Latino Victory Fund, stressed that while money is a necessity in elections, it does not inherently translate into legislative allegiance to contributors. Advocates for progressive candidates maintain that well-funded super PACs threaten insurgent campaigns seeking to challenge established political alliances, particularly on issues related to Israel and U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

AIPAC declined to comment on the recent developments. As New York City’s congressional primaries conclude, the role of powerful political lobbies and super PACs remains a central—and contentious—feature of the electoral landscape.