Strikes in Iran could significantly impact the dynamics of primary elections, particularly in the Democratic Party. The Middle Eastern conflict has already influenced several races, with AIPAC's involvement being a key factor. In Illinois, AIPAC-aligned groups have spent over $14 million on House races, and in North Carolina, Israel has been a central issue in the reelection bid of Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee. The war in Iran may further intensify the divide, as AIPAC's support could lead to the election of more anti-war, anti-Israel candidates, as seen in the recent House primary loss of former Rep. Tom Malinowski. Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party, warns that Democrats taking AIPAC money will face scrutiny. The Iran strikes, while not as deeply divisive as Israel's war in Gaza, have still sparked discussions about Congress's role and the broader implications of partnering with Israel. In Illinois, AIPAC-aligned groups have already spent heavily, and the issue is expected to gain more attention as the March 17 primary approaches. The race to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky is particularly heated, with AIPAC-linked groups targeting progressive activist Kat Abughazaleh, a Palestinian American. The war in Iran has also been a crucial focus in the closing weeks of Abughazaleh's campaign. In North Carolina, the primary election on Tuesday will provide an early indication of how Democratic voters view Israel. Rep. Foushee, who was first elected with AIPAC's help, has now rejected their support, while her primary opponent, Nida Allam, has criticized Foushee for being insufficiently tough on Israel. The Iran strikes have also been a topic of debate in Michigan, where the Gaza conflict has already been a major issue in the Democratic Senate race. The state has a high percentage of Arab-American residents, and over 100,000 people voted 'uncommitted' in the 2024 primary due to the administration's support of Israel. The Democratic candidates in Michigan have called for a more cautious approach to the Middle East, emphasizing the need to stand up to pro-war lobbies like AIPAC.
