The pro-Israel group AIPAC secured its first victories in the 2026 Democratic primary in Illinois, with two Democratic House candidates it backed winning their races. The group largely concealed its spending through PACs with names like Elect Chicago Women and Chicago Progressive Partnership, which targeted pro-Palestinian progressives for their leftist bona fides and even boosted a left-wing candidate. This is a significant turnaround for AIPac, which previously lost an embarrassing election to New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill's seat in the House. However, the group fell short in the closely watched race to replace retiring Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) in the 9th district and backed state Sen. Laura Fine, who came in third behind left wing influencer Kat Abughazaleh and progressive Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss.