AIPAC-backed candidate blocks comeback of J Street-endorsed rival in Maryland Democratic primary

State prosecutor Glenn Ivey is projected to have defeated former congresswoman Donna Edwards in the Democratic primary race for Maryland’s fourth Congressional district, which saw unprecedented spending by pro-Israel groups.

Ivey, who received an astounding $6 million from AIPAC’s United Democracy Project super PAC, has a 51 to 35 percent lead over Edwards with 68% of the vote counted, which was enough for major networks to call the race in his favor.

Edwards received her own endorsements from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi as well as J Street, which spent more than $700,000 in the race, largely in ads attacking Ivey for taking money from AIPAC, which endorsed more than 100 Republicans who sought to overturn the 2020 election after the January 6 insurrection.

In a statement celebrating Ivey’s victory, AIPAC says “once again, Democratic voters have demonstrated that being pro-Israel is smart policy and smart politics,” adding that “our involvement in the democratic process will continue throughout this election cycle.”

Democratic Majority for Israel, which sits slightly to the left of AIPAC and donated $426,000 to Ivey’s campaign, says, “We’re pleased that Democratic voters in Maryland’s 4th District yesterday chose to look forward by electing a proud progressive pro-Israel African American leader with extensive experience on Capitol Hill and in local government, Glenn Ivey.”