House Democrat Withdraws Endorsement In Chicago-area Race Over Aipac Funding

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) is withdrawing her endorsement of a Democratic congressional candidate in a neighboring Chicago-area district over concerns about campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee.

Schakowsky, who represents Illinois’ 9th District and endorsed Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller in the crowded Illinois 2nd District primary last month, said in a statement on Thursday she will not support a candidate funded by “outside interests.”

“Illinois deserves leaders who put voters first, not AIPAC or out-of-state Trump donors,” Schakowsky said.

The outgoing Illinois member of Congress stood by her endorsement of Evanston, Illinois, Mayor Daniel Biss to succeed her in her home district, citing in part his refusal to accept AIPAC donations.

“I cannot support any candidate running for Congress who is funded by these outside interests. That is one of the many reasons I am supporting Daniel Biss in IL-09. Daniel will always put Illinois families ahead of outside influence,” Schakowsky said.

The Chicago Sun-Times first reported Schakowsky’s endorsement withdrawal. In a statement, Miller's campaign highlighted her friendship with Schakowsky and touted her "broad base" of support.

"Rep. Schakowsky and Commissioner Miller have been friends for over 20 years. Donna's support reflects the broad base behind her campaign, coming from a diverse coalition of people who believe in her vision for change. Donna is focused on the issues that affect working families, and that message is resonating with voters," the Miller campaign said in a statement.

Tensions over links to pro-Israel groups have defined a handful of House Democratic primaries around the country, including in multiple races in Illinois, where both AIPAC and the Democratic Majority For Israel PAC are pushing for their preferred outcomes.

DMFI PAC announced on Thursday the group is endorsing 11 pro-Israel Democrats around the country, including Miller.

AIPAC’s involvement in Illinois’ primaries has been regular fodder for attacks from primary opponents in the state. Those attacks come as the party grapples with its relationship to Israel following a period where support for the country declined amid the war against Hamas in Gaza.

AIPAC’s campaign strategy has come under renewed scrutiny following a botched campaign to sink former Rep. Tom Malinowski in a New Jersey special election. Malinowski lost, but progressive organizer Analilia Mejia, who has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, won the crowded primary.

Shia Kapos contributed to this report.