Sanders Urges Democrats to Ban Super PACs in Primaries

Senator Bernie Sanders from Vermont is pushing Democratic party leaders to limit the influence of super PACs in party primaries. He argues that wealthy external groups have too much control over Democratic nominations.

Sanders specifically criticized the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) on a social media post, highlighting their extensive spending in Democratic primaries. He stated, “It is insane that the Democrats allow super PACs like AIPAC to spend millions in their primaries — only for those same special interests to help elect Republicans in the general election.”

Sanders appealed to Democratic leaders to ban super PACs, urging them to make this change immediately. He shared a letter dated August 8, directed to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin.

In his communication, Sanders highlighted AIPAC’s over $30 million expenditure in Michigan’s Democratic primary, aimed at defeating Dr. Abdul El-Sayed. He noted plans by AIPAC to further invest in supporting Republican candidate Mike Rogers in the general election.

Beyond AIPAC, Sanders pointed out that corporate super PACs, including those connected to crypto, AI, and online betting, have spent a record $517 million this election cycle. He emphasized that these groups have no specific interest in Democratic victories.

Sanders labeled it “obscene” that billionaire-funded PACs are influencing Democratic primaries and supporting Republican candidates when their preferred Democrat loses. “They spend tens of millions of dollars to determine the Democratic nominee and, if unsuccessful, support the Republican candidate,” he explained.

AIPAC is a grassroots membership organization with a PAC that supports pro-Israel Democratic and Republican candidates for Congress.

AIPAC’s website states it backs pro-Israel candidates across both parties. The organization is connected to the United Democracy Project, a super PAC focused on defeating those critical of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Sanders repeatedly called for a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United and advocated for public election financing. He emphasized, “Right now, the Democratic Party has the power to prohibit super PACs from participating in its primaries. That can be done. That must be done.”

Recognizing ideological diversity within the party, Sanders urged collective action against allowing Republican interests in determining Democratic primary outcomes.

Earlier, Sanders and Representative Summer Lee introduced the Abolish Super PACs Act aimed at capping individual contributions to super PACs at $5,000, effectively eliminating them.

Comments from AIPAC, Sanders, Schumer, Martin, Jeffries, and Rogers were unavailable at the time of reporting.