Is AIPAC Targeting Ilhan Omar? Survey Suggests Pro-Israel Lobby Plans to Back Democratic Challenger
Trump-Aligned Donors and AIPAC Linked to Early Moves Against Progressive Congresswoman in 2024 Race.
Watan-In a report by The Intercept, journalist Akela Lacy explores whether the powerful pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC is preparing to challenge Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in the upcoming 2024 elections. The speculation stems from a recent voter survey circulated in Omar’s Minnesota district, which bears hallmarks of AIPAC’s political strategy.
The poll measured voter sentiment toward Omar and a potential challenger, former state lawmaker Ryan Winkler. While it initially posed standard questions about policy positions—housing, healthcare, and minimum wage—it eventually shifted tone, branding Omar as “one of the most anti-Israel members of Congress.” It criticized her for voting against a resolution that condemned the October 7 attacks (without mentioning Palestinian civilian deaths), opposing arms sales to Israel, and highlighted her refugee background.
The survey further inquired about voters’ concerns regarding Winkler receiving support from a pro-Israel group funded by Trump-aligned billionaires—a clear reference to AIPAC’s donor base. Political observers told The Intercept the polling is a classic AIPAC tactic: test reactions before investing millions in a race.
Osama Andrabi of Democrats for Justice said this is exactly how AIPAC operates—gauging voter response early, then delivering that data to wealthy donors. According to a source close to the campaign, Winkler is waiting for the poll’s results before deciding to challenge Omar, and AIPAC has yet to officially comment.
Omar responded firmly:“Our district is not for sale. If AIPAC’s agenda was truly popular, they wouldn’t need to spend millions attacking me.”
In the last election cycle, AIPAC spent over $100 million, including $25 million targeting progressive Democrats like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush. It also backed more than 100 Republican candidates who voted to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
AIPAC’s previous efforts to challenge progressives include failed attempts to recruit opponents against Summer Lee. While they refrained from openly backing Bhavini Patel, who eventually ran against her, the pattern is clear: use financial muscle to sideline voices critical of U.S. military aid to Israel and supportive of Palestinian rights.
The survey attacking Omar repeated past accusations of anti-Semitism and criticism over her stance on policing following George Floyd’s killing. Yet notably, it avoided questions about the Israeli war in Gaza or ceasefire support—an indication that AIPAC’s focus remains on silencing dissent, not debating policy.
Andrabi concluded, “This isn’t just about Israel–Palestine. It’s about controlling politicians and making them do what AIPAC wants.”
