AIPAC is changing how it supports pro-Israel candidates in Congress, ending its formal endorsements and direct contributions through its political action committee as the organization faces mounting political opposition and recent electoral setbacks.

The pro-Israel advocacy group announced the changes Wednesday in a letter to members, describing the move as the result of a months-long strategic review. Going forward, AIPAC plans to encourage individual donors to contribute directly to candidates rather than making donations through the organization’s PAC.

The shift comes as support for Israel has become an increasingly contentious issue in American politics, drawing criticism from progressive Democrats and some conservatives. Several Democratic politicians have distanced themselves from AIPAC-related funding amid concerns about the political consequences, including New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker.

The changes do not affect United Democracy Project, AIPAC’s independent super PAC. The organization will continue spending on television and digital advertising to support candidates it considers supportive of Israel and oppose those it views as hostile to the country. Unlike a traditional PAC, a super PAC can raise and spend unlimited amounts independently, but it cannot donate directly to candidates or coordinate its spending with their campaigns.

AIPAC says its members have contributed more than $90 million to congressional candidates during the current election cycle, including donations designated for particular candidates. By comparison, the organization’s own PAC contributed approximately $3 million directly, according to spokesperson Darrin Sosa. Federal law places limits on how much a PAC can contribute directly to an individual candidate.

The decision follows a difficult period for the group’s political operation. AIPAC suspended fundraising efforts for 18 House Democrats who voted to reduce U.S. security assistance to Israel. Its candidate contribution portal later listed 178 Republicans and 72 Democrats.

The organization has also faced criticism from activist groups targeting politicians and donors associated with AIPAC. Some campaigns have publicly identified individual Jewish and pro-Israel donors as part of the AIPAC network, prompting accusations that such efforts can fuel antisemitism by singling out Jewish donors over their political activity.

Despite claiming a role in electing 290 candidates and defeating 29 it considered hostile to Israel, AIPAC’s super PAC has experienced notable losses. It spent tens of millions of dollars supporting Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, but she lost to Abdul El-Sayed. In New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District primary, advertising targeting former Rep. Tom Malinowski was followed by a victory for progressive candidate Analilia Mejia.

AIPAC’s leadership said the revised strategy is intended to broaden individual participation and give the organization greater flexibility as it prepares for a challenging election cycle. The group maintains that United Democracy Project will remain a central part of its efforts to influence congressional races and support candidates committed to the U.S.-Israel relationship.