Pro-Israel Support Fuels Jason Friedman’s Bid for Chicago Seat
Pro-Israel donors have rallied behind Jason Friedman as he seeks to replace Representative Danny Davis in Chicago’s upcoming Democratic primary on March 5, 2024. Friedman, a former real estate mogul, has emerged as a frontrunner in fundraising, reporting over $1.5 million in donations as of October, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission. This surge includes approximately $140,000 from prominent backers of pro-Israel organizations, notably the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and its affiliated super PAC, United Democracy Project (UDP).
Friedman launched his campaign in April, ahead of Davis’s announcement of retirement, and has since positioned himself as a key candidate to watch. His previous role as chair of government affairs for the Jewish United Fund underscores his connections within the pro-Israel community, which has recently seen significant political activity. The UDP and AIPAC collectively spent over $100 million on elections last year, successfully unseating two congressional critics of Israel.
While Friedman has not explicitly made Israel a focal point of his campaign, the interest from AIPAC and its donors indicates a strategic alignment. Over 35 AIPAC donors have contributed to Friedman’s campaign, with several individuals making sizable donations to both AIPAC and UDP, totaling nearly $2 million since 2021.
Growing Controversy Surrounds Campaign Financing
The influx of donations has not gone unnoticed. Former Representative Marie Newman, a critic of pro-Israel funding and a previous target of such donors, expressed concern about Friedman’s financial backers. “If you receive money from AIPAC donors who believe in genocide and are funding genocide, then in fact, you believe in genocide,” Newman stated, emphasizing the ethical implications of campaign financing. She has endorsed another candidate, Kina Collins, a gun violence activist who has previously run against Davis.
Friedman’s campaign is largely centered on challenging issues such as healthcare, education, and economic policy, with a commitment to strong labor unions and reducing gun violence. His political background includes working for former President Bill Clinton and serving on the Senate Judiciary Committee under Senator Dick Durbin.
Support from pro-Israel donors has also included significant contributions to the Democratic Majority for Israel (DMFI) PAC and To Protect Our Heritage PAC, which has endorsed other candidates in the race. The financial dynamics in this primary reflect broader fault lines within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel, especially in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Impact of Political Dynamics in Chicago
The situation in Gaza has intensified political divisions among Democrats in Chicago. Last year, the Chicago City Council narrowly passed a resolution advocating for a ceasefire, with Mayor Brandon Johnson casting the tie-breaking vote. In a letter signed by Friedman, community leaders expressed their discontent with the resolution, reflecting the tensions surrounding U.S. military aid to Israel and its implications for peace in the region.
Friedman’s fundraising success appears driven by connections within the finance and real estate sectors, which constitute a significant portion of his donor base. Notable contributions have come from individuals like gaming executive Greg Carlin and investor Tony Davis, both of whom have made substantial donations to UDP while supporting Friedman.
As the primary approaches, the dynamics of campaign financing and the influence of pro-Israel donors will likely continue to shape the race. With 17 other Democratic candidates vying for the nomination, including Collins and Melissa Conyears-Ervin, the outcome remains uncertain, but the spotlight on Friedman’s funding could have lasting implications for his campaign and the broader political landscape in Chicago.
