News|ElectionsPro-Israel groups see mixed record in money-fuelled Illinois primariesLieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, who took money from pro-Israel donors, won the race to be the Democratic Senate candidate.

Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton has secured the Democratic primary nomination for an open United States Senate seat, following a race influenced by significant spending from special interest groups, including pro-Israel lobbying networks and the artificial intelligence industry.

Stratton's victory positions her to potentially join the Senate in November. She received the endorsement of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and defeated 10 other Democratic candidates, including US Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly. Stratton's campaign focused on increasing the federal minimum wage to $25 per hour and advocating for the abolition of the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.

Stratton received financial support from groups aligned with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), which promotes pro-Israel policies. Despite AIPAC not publicly campaigning for her, these groups contributed to her campaign.

Mixed Outcomes for AIPAC in House Elections

In the Democratic races for four open Illinois seats in the US House of Representatives, the results varied. The winners included:

Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller for the Second District Former US Representative Melissa Bean for the Eighth District State Representative La Shawn Ford for the Seventh District Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss for the Ninth District

Pro-Israel lobbying groups associated with AIPAC invested heavily in these races, with mixed results. Bean and Miller, candidates supported by AIPAC-aligned groups, won their contests. Conversely, La Shawn Ford and Biss, who were opposed by these groups, also emerged victorious. Notably, in the Ninth District, AIPAC-affiliated groups spent over $4 million supporting state Senator Laura Fine and $1.4 million against Biss, who ultimately won the election.

The Democratic strategy for the upcoming midterm elections in November centers on addressing the cost of living in the US. Democrats argue that President Trump's administration has not adequately addressed concerns over the pricing of essential goods and services such as groceries, fuel, healthcare, and childcare. Recent polling indicates a decline in President Trump's approval ratings, which currently stand at 39 percent.

Democrats have demonstrated strong election results in recent months, with a possibility of gaining control of the House, where Republicans currently hold a 218-214 majority. The Senate race is anticipated to be more competitive, as Republicans maintain a 53-47 majority. Should Democrats succeed in flipping both chambers, it could impose new constraints on President Trump's domestic and foreign policy initiatives.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.