WASHINGTON (VINnews) – Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., on Friday criticized heavy spending by AIPAC and crypto-linked groups in the crowded Democratic primary to replace retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer, saying outside interests are attempting to purchase the congressional seat.

“I think voters need to be aware that these outside groups do not have the voters’ interests at heart,” Van Hollen said during a press conference.

His remarks came days after the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC, the United Democracy Project, poured more than $1 million into television ads supporting Adrian Boafo, a Maryland state delegate. Boafo has been endorsed by Hoyer and other prominent state Democrats.

The primary race in Maryland’s 5th Congressional District has drawn significant outside spending as multiple candidates vie to succeed Hoyer, a longtime Democratic leader who announced his retirement. Van Hollen highlighted what he described as AIPAC and crypto-linked expenditures influencing the contest.

The United Democracy Project has aggressively backed candidates aligned with pro-Israel positions in Democratic primaries across the country. Boafo’s campaign has welcomed the support as it competes in a field of several Democratic hopefuls.

Van Hollen’s comments reflect growing tensions within the Democratic Party over the role of super PACs and large donors in congressional races, particularly those tied to foreign policy and emerging industry interests.

No immediate response was available from the United Democracy Project or Boafo’s campaign.