Why It Matters

The AIPAC-backed United Democracy Project (UDP) spent more than $53 million influencing congressional and Senate primaries, including more than $20 million opposing Democrat Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan Senate campaign.

The UDP website describes itself as "an organization comprised of American citizens — Democrats, Republicans and Independents — united in the belief that America's partnership with our democratic ally Israel benefits both countries," and says it "works to help elect candidates that share our vision and will be strong supporters of the U.S.-Israel relationship in Congress."

By the end of August, UDP had reported receipts of $109.72 million, disbursements of $83.61 million, and $54.92 million in cash on hand.

What It Spent

UDP had independent expenditures amounting to $53.41 million by August 31. In the most recent reporting period, the amounts the committee spent on periodic independent expenditures and on all outside spending were the same.

A super PAC is free to raise and spend unlimited amounts on its own, but it cannot coordinate its spending with the candidate's campaign.

Where the Money Went

The biggest target was El-Sayed, a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate from Michigan, and UDP allocated about $20.14 million to spend against him. They also spent approximately $3.58 million against Republican Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY), who wound up losing. Additionally, UDP spent $2.46 million against Cori Bush, $2.33 million against Tom Malinowski, both of whom lost their primary races. The $1.64 million against Aisha Wahab did not prevent a primary win for her seat.

Alternatively, Democratic candidate Haley Stevens received the most backing at approximately $10.5 million, although she lost the Democratic primary to El-Sayed.

The spending crossed party lines underscoring the Super PACs' dedication to supporting pro-Israel candidates.

Who Funds It

The UDP receives the largest amount of funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), the sum being $30 million during the election period. In September 2025 AIPAC gave $25 million and an additional $5 million in December. Other significant donors include the Manzanita Action Fund ($1.6 million), Kraft Group LLC ($1 million), and Portage Capital LLC ($650,000).

Notable Expenditures

The biggest single transaction listed in the filings was about $3.84 million paid to Targeted Platform Media LLC on July 28 for media placement against El-Sayed's Senate primary campaign, and on July 21 Targeted Platform Media LLC received another amount of approximately $3.83 million for media placement against El-Sayed.

Targeted Platform Media was paid about $2.33 million for media placements in support of Adrian Boafo in the primary election for Maryland's 5th Congressional District on June 16. Similarly, on June 9 the vendor received approximately $2.08 million for media placements in support of Haley Stevens in the Michigan Senate primary.

OnMessage Inc. was paid about $959,000 for media production and placement against Massie in the Republican primary for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District on May 14. Earlier in the campaign, on March 10, Targeted Platform Media was paid approximately $1.45 million for media placement in support of Melissa Conyears-Ervin in the primary for Illinois' 7th Congressional District.

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