Moderate North Carolina Democrat Won’t Take AIPAC Cash for 2026

# Moderate North Carolina Democrat Won’t Take AIPAC Cash for 2026

Rep. Deborah Ross became the latest Democrat to swear off AIPAC amid pressure to hold Israel accountable for its genocide in Gaza.

Jonah Valdez

August 29 2025, 6:30 a.m.

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Rep. Deborah Ross, D-N.C., at a news conference held by House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic Democrats in Washington, D.C. on June 3, 2024. Photo: Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call via AP Images

Democratic Rep. Deborah Ross of North Carolina has pledged that she will not accept contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee during the 2026 midterm election cycle — after receiving more than $100,000 from the conservative pro-Israel lobby group in past elections, Ross’s office confirmed to The Intercept.

Ross, a moderate member of the House of Representatives, is the latest lawmaker to swear off the lobby amid sustained pressure and protest from voters who oppose Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. Her pledge closely follows that of fellow North Carolina Democrat Rep. Valerie Foushee, who vowed not to take money from AIPAC. Foushee was among AIPAC’s biggest recipients, having taken more than $800,000 in direct giving from AIPAC and individual donations it bundled.

“Congresswoman Ross is not currently accepting AIPAC contributions,” said a spokesperson for Ross’s office in a statement to The Intercept. She further clarified that the pledge covers AIPAC contributions throughout the 2026 cycle.

Anti-genocide organizers viewed Ross and Foushee’s anti-AIPAC pledges as evidence of a sea change within the Democratic Party.

“It is always good to hear someone is willing to have the courage of their convictions and not support organizations that they believe do not fully represent the interests of the U.S.” said Dr. Paul McAllister, a reverend and chair of the Interfaith