By: Tzirel Rosenblatt
A newly formed political action committee poised to spend millions of dollars in a series of closely watched New York congressional contests has become the latest focal point in the increasingly contentious debate over Israel, progressive politics, and the evolving ideological landscape of the Democratic Party.
According to report on Tuesday in The New York Post, American Priorities PAC, a recently established super PAC that describes itself as a counterweight to pro-Israel political organizations, announced plans to invest approximately $2 million in television, streaming, and digital advertising campaigns on behalf of three New York congressional candidates: Darializa Avila Chevalier, Claire Valdez, and Brad Lander.
The spending initiative arrives at a moment when foreign policy, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has emerged as a significant point of division within Democratic politics. While domestic concerns such as housing affordability, inflation, healthcare costs, and public safety continue to dominate many campaigns, debates surrounding Israel and Gaza have increasingly influenced primary contests, donor networks, and grassroots activism.
At the center of the discussion is Texas businessman Hussein “Sam” Mahrouq, whose financial contributions have attracted scrutiny because of his support for organizations and candidates critical of Israeli government policies.
According to records cited by The New York Post, Mahrouq contributed $400,000 to American Priorities PAC. The publication reported that Mahrouq is the owner of Enterprises International, the parent company associated with AutoMax and Dollar Rent-A-Car operations.
The Post reported that American Priorities was established earlier this year and has positioned itself as an alternative voice to organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, commonly known as AIPAC.
The PAC’s emergence highlights the growing influence of competing advocacy organizations seeking to shape Democratic primaries and broader national conversations regarding United States policy toward Israel and the Middle East.
The donor network behind American Priorities has also generated attention because of its connections to political figures and organizations that played important roles in recent New York electoral campaigns.
According to The New York Post, New York businessman Mohammad Waqas contributed $1 million to American Priorities. The publication noted that Waqas had previously been a major donor to New Yorkers for Lower Costs, a political organization that supported New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during his successful mayoral campaign.
Similarly, Silicon Valley investor Omer Hasan reportedly contributed another $1 million to the super PAC. The Post reported that Hasan had previously provided at least $250,000 to New Yorkers for Lower Costs.
The financial relationships between these donors and various progressive political organizations have become a subject of considerable interest among political observers attempting to map the increasingly sophisticated funding networks operating within Democratic politics.
Mahrouq himself reportedly contributed directly to Mamdani’s campaign, providing $2,100 during the mayoral race.
Campaign finance records cited by The New York Post also indicate that Mahrouq has supported several national political figures over the years, including progressive lawmakers associated with the congressional group often referred to as “The Squad.”
According to the publication, Mahrouq has donated substantial sums over multiple election cycles to Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota and Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, both of whom have frequently criticized Israeli government policies and advocated for Palestinian rights.
The Post further reported that Mahrouq’s political giving has crossed traditional partisan boundaries.
Among the candidates reportedly receiving contributions from Mahrouq were Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky and former Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Both lawmakers have, at various times, expressed criticism of aspects of United States policy toward Israel and the broader Middle East.
Observers note that such cross-ideological political giving reflects the unusual coalitions that can emerge around foreign policy issues, where traditional partisan divisions sometimes become less pronounced.
The candidates expected to benefit from the new super PAC’s spending have each attracted attention because of their public positions regarding Israel and Palestinian issues.
Darializa Avila Chevalier, who is challenging longtime Representative Adriano Espaillat in New York’s 13th Congressional District, has emerged as one of the most visible progressive challengers in the state.
According to The New York Post report, Avila Chevalier has participated in activism related to Palestinian causes and has publicly criticized Israeli government policies. The publication referenced past social media posts and demonstrations involving pro-Palestinian activists.
The race against Espaillat is expected to draw substantial attention because it reflects broader debates about the future direction of Democratic politics in New York City.
Claire Valdez, another Democratic Socialist candidate, is seeking election in New York’s 7th Congressional District. Although foreign policy has not consistently dominated her campaign, observers note that questions concerning Israel and Gaza continue to influence discussions among activists and progressive organizations supporting her candidacy.
Brad Lander’s campaign in New York’s 10th Congressional District has similarly found itself operating within an environment where Israel-related issues have become increasingly prominent.
The district, encompassing portions of Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, has long been considered fertile ground for progressive activism. As a result, questions regarding Middle East policy, antisemitism, campus protests, and American foreign policy frequently intersect with local political concerns.
The New York Times reported that American Priorities intends to launch advertisements across streaming services and digital platforms. One of the planned advertisements reportedly features activist Mahmoud Khalil and his wife.
The anticipated advertising campaign underscores the degree to which political organizations increasingly rely on digital media ecosystems rather than traditional broadcast channels to reach voters.
The financial activities associated with Mahrouq extend beyond American Priorities.
According to The New York Post report, he reportedly contributed $6,000 during 2025 to Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption PAC. The publication also reported that Mahrouq donated $1,000 to Anti-Zionist America PAC, an organization associated with former New York University professor Michael Rectenwald.
Rectenwald has generated controversy in recent years through various public statements and writings. The New York Post referenced criticism directed toward some of his social media commentary and publications.
The broader controversy surrounding these contributions illustrates how campaign finance disclosures increasingly serve as a battleground for competing narratives regarding ideology, influence, and political legitimacy.
Political analysts note that donor networks have become extraordinarily important in shaping modern congressional campaigns, particularly in competitive primaries where outside spending can significantly influence voter perceptions.
American Priorities itself appears to be staffed by experienced political operatives with connections to progressive organizations. According to records cited by The New York Post, Brooklyn-based political operative Mark Hanna serves as the PAC’s treasurer.
The organization is reportedly managed by Hannah Fertig, a strategist associated with Justice Democrats, the influential progressive group that played a significant role in the rise of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other insurgent Democratic candidates.
Justice Democrats has become one of the most recognizable organizations within progressive politics, advocating for candidates who challenge established incumbents and promote a more activist policy agenda.
The growing prominence of organizations such as American Priorities reflects a broader transformation underway within Democratic politics.
As debates over Israel, foreign policy, progressive activism, and campaign finance continue to intensify, super PACs and independent expenditure groups are assuming an increasingly consequential role in shaping electoral outcomes.
Whether the organization’s planned $2 million advertising campaign ultimately alters the trajectory of New York’s congressional primaries remains to be seen. What is already evident, however, is that the contests have become a microcosm of larger national debates concerning political influence, ideological identity, and the future direction of one of America’s major political parties.
As primary season approaches, both supporters and critics of the PAC are expected to continue scrutinizing its donors, messaging, and strategic objectives, ensuring that the organization’s activities remain firmly in the public spotlight.
