About J Street PAC
JStreetPAC is the first and only federal Political Action Committee established to explicitly promote meaningful American leadership to end the Israeli-Palestinian and Israeli-Arab conflicts peacefully and diplomatically.
The PAC's goal is to demonstrate that there is meaningful political and financial support available to candidates for federal office from large numbers of Americans who believe a new direction in American policy will advance U.S. interests in the Middle East and promote real peace and security for Israel and the region.
In 2008, the PAC endorsed 41 candidates for the Senate and House and raised over $578,000 to help them win. Click here to see the JStreetPAC 2008 Election Report.
Building on the success of our inaugural cycle, JStreetPAC made history in 2010 by distributing over $1.5 million to 61 endorsed candidates, more than 2.5 times more than 2008 and the largest ever by any Pro-Israel PAC. JStreetPAC’s endorsees fared well in the face of the most toxic political atmosphere in recent memory. Overall, 45 of 61 endorsees won their races, including 82% of House incumbents. This financial support came from an expansive fundraising network including thousands of online donors, a dozen PAC events held in cities across the country, and from our growing National Finance Committee. JStreetPAC 2010 Election Report.
Individual contributors directly contribute to endorsed candidates through the PAC, thereby making an important political statement about the motivation for their support. JStreetPAC solicits contributions to candidates both online and off.
The PAC's Finance Committee recruits major donors who can make and raise larger contributions to candidates. The PAC's online fundraising campaign mobilizes large numbers of smaller donors to contribute to endorsed candidates.
JStreetPAC is a non-partisan Political Action Committee which endorses and provides financial support for the election of candidates who support our views related to Israeli security and peace in the Middle East (JStreetPAC’s principles and policy positions can be found at www.jstreet.org/issues).
In deciding which candidates to endorse, we interview candidates and their opponents (if they are willing) about their views on issues related to American policy toward Israel and the Middle East. In our endorsement decisions, we take into account the views of both candidates on issues that are the focus of the PAC. In funding decisions, we take into account other factors, such as how competitive the race is. The PAC does not interview candidates on – and its endorsement should not be read to imply support for their positions on – any other issue.