Overview
- Sen. Bernie Sanders publicly sent a letter to Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and DNC Chair Ken Martin calling for an immediate ban on super PAC involvement in Democratic primaries.
- Sanders argued in the letter that billionaire-funded outside groups can determine nominees and then support Republican opponents, citing reports that AIPAC and affiliates spent more than $30 million in a Michigan Democratic primary and plan to spend tens of millions in the general election.
- He also cited record outside spending in the 2026 cycle, saying corporate-backed super PACs have already spent roughly $517 million so far.
- Sanders pointed to legislative and structural fixes he supports, including the Abolish Super PACs Act he co-sponsored in May to cap individual contributions to super PACs at $5,000, and a constitutional repeal of Citizens United plus public financing of campaigns.
- Party leaders had not announced a rule change in initial coverage, and AIPAC says it backs pro-Israel candidates in both parties and funds its PAC through individual donors, leaving the dispute centered on whether the Democratic Party will use its internal rules to act first.