In the crowded Democratic primary to succeed retiring Rep. Danny Davis in Chicago, one candidate has established a significant fundraising advantage, drawing substantial financial support from prominent donors linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated political action committees. Real estate executive Jason Friedman has reported over $1.5 million in contributions, with a notable portion originating from individuals who are major funders of pro-Israel advocacy groups.
Financial disclosures reveal that at least $140,000 of Friedman's campaign funds come from donors who have heavily contributed to AIPAC and its super PAC, the United Democracy Project (UDP). This influx of cash into the deep-blue 7th congressional district race signals a potential focus from influential lobbying groups known for their significant spending in Democratic primaries across the country.
Key Takeaways
- Jason Friedman, one of 18 candidates, leads fundraising with over $1.5 million for the March primary.
- Over 35 donors to Friedman's campaign are also major contributors to AIPAC and its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP).
- These specific donors have collectively given nearly $2 million to AIPAC and UDP since 2021.
- The financial support has drawn criticism from progressive figures, who link the funds to efforts to influence U.S. policy on Israel.
A Fundraising Front-Runner Emerges
The race to fill the seat held by Rep. Danny Davis for nearly three decades has attracted a wide field of Democratic hopefuls. Among the 18 candidates, Jason Friedman, a former real estate executive, has distinguished himself through robust fundraising. His campaign's October filing with the Federal Election Commission showed a total of over $1.5 million, positioning him as a financial leader well ahead of the March primary.
A closer examination of his donor list reveals a strong network of support from individuals with deep ties to pro-Israel advocacy. More than 35 of his contributors are also significant donors to AIPAC. Seventeen of them have given to the United Democracy Project, a super PAC that spent more than $100 million in the last election cycle, often targeting progressive candidates critical of Israeli government policies.
Friedman has also contributed $36,750 of his own money to his campaign. The bulk of his external support comes from the finance and real estate industries, where nearly a quarter of his donors work.
Understanding Political Influence
AIPAC is a prominent lobbying group that advocates for pro-Israel policies in the United States. Its associated super PAC, the United Democracy Project, can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to influence elections, though it cannot coordinate directly with campaigns. In recent election cycles, UDP has become known for spending heavily in Democratic primaries, often against progressive candidates.
The Donor Network and Its Influence
The financial backing for Friedman comes from a list of high-profile executives and investors. The donors supporting his campaign have collectively contributed just under $2 million to AIPAC and UDP since 2021. This includes over $1.6 million to UDP and more than $327,000 directly to AIPAC's political action committee.
Some of the notable contributors include:
- Jeff Aronin: A biotech executive who has given $1 million to UDP.
- Ilan Shalit: A marketing founder who has also contributed $1 million to UDP.
- Jerry Bednyak: A private equity executive who has given $1 million to UDP.
- Greg Carlin: A gaming executive who has donated $255,000 to UDP and gave $3,500 to Friedman's campaign.
- Tony Davis: An investor who has given $250,000 to UDP and also contributed $3,500 to Friedman.
One donor, Larry Hochberg, a former AIPAC national director, confirmed his support for Friedman, stating he believed Friedman would be a good candidate. Hochberg, who gave $1,000 to the campaign, has previously contributed $10,000 to AIPAC and sits on the board of Friends of the Israel Defense Forces.
Campaign finance records show that Friedman's campaign received significant six-figure fundraising boosts on just three separate days in June and September, a pattern that strategists say can be associated with coordinated fundraising efforts by external political groups.
Local Tensions and Political Platforms
While Friedman's campaign website focuses on domestic issues like strengthening unions, reducing gun violence, and supporting education, his past professional roles connect him to the ongoing debate over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. From 2019 to 2024, Friedman was the chair of government affairs for the Jewish United Fund.
Last year, in that capacity, Friedman co-signed a letter to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressing that community leaders were “appalled” after the City Council narrowly passed a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The mayor cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the resolution, highlighting a sharp divide among local Democrats on the issue.
Friedman’s campaign has not publicly detailed his position on U.S. military funding for Israel. He is running on a platform that emphasizes taking on former President Donald Trump and addressing economic and social issues within the district.
Criticism from Progressive Circles
The influx of money from pro-Israel donors has not gone unnoticed by progressive figures in Illinois politics. Former Rep. Marie Newman, who represented a nearby district and was unseated in 2022 after being targeted by pro-Israel spending, offered sharp criticism.
“If you receive money from AIPAC donors who believe in genocide and are funding genocide, then in fact, you believe in genocide,” Newman stated. “If you’re taking money from people who are supporting a far right-wing government that is executing a genocide, what does that say about you?”
Newman is endorsing Kina Collins, a gun violence activist who is also running for the seat. Collins previously challenged Rep. Davis in 2022 and came within seven percentage points of winning. During that race, the United Democracy Project spent nearly half a million dollars on advertising opposing her candidacy.
The crowded field includes other notable candidates, such as Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and former Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin. Another candidate, former antitrust attorney Reed Showalter, has publicly pledged not to accept any money from AIPAC, drawing a clear line on the issue. The retiring incumbent, Danny Davis, has endorsed state Rep. La Shawn Ford as his successor.
