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About
The United Democracy Project (UDP) is a super PAC launched by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) in 2021 (initially active in 2022) and closely affiliated with it. Its primary mission is to influence U.S. elections by supporting pro-Israel candidates, particularly within the Democratic Party, through independent expenditures, political spending, and advocacy. As a super PAC, UDP operates through independent expenditures—including spending unlimited funds on pro-Israel ads and candidate support—meaning it cannot donate directly to candidates or coordinate with their campaigns, adhering to federal election laws that limit traditional PAC contributions to $5,000 per election. The organization focuses on bolstering Democratic politicians who advocate for strong U.S.-Israel relations and countering those perceived as anti-Israel or less supportive of Israel, such as those supporting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, often targeting progressive candidates and critics of Israel within the Democratic Party, especially in primaries. UDP has become a significant political spender, instrumental in high-profile races by spending millions to influence primaries and general elections through funding ads and other campaign activities, with substantial fundraising prowess demonstrated by raising over $87 million in the 2023-2024 election cycle alone. The PAC's strategy aligns with AIPAC's broader lobbying efforts, though UDP maintains operational independence as a separate entity, with key figures including institutional ties to AIPAC leadership such as founding member Howard Kohr, AIPAC's CEO. Registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), UDP's transparency in reporting underscores its role in shaping Democratic primaries and reinforcing bipartisan support for Israel in Congress.
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