Where the candidates stand on AIPAC, funding, and their 2026 platforms
The June 23rd primary for Maryland’s 6th District is heating up, and one of the biggest topics of conversation has been the influence of AIPAC and outside money. Since this is one of the most expensive races in the country right now, I wanted to put together a quick guide on who is taking what and what they actually plan to do if they win.
The Frontrunners
1. April McClain Delaney (Incumbent)
• AIPAC Status: Aligned. As the mainstream establishment candidate, she generally follows the traditional pro-Israel party line. While she hasn't relied on mega-donations from the lobby like Trone has in the past, she accepts traditional PAC money and is seen as the "reliable" choice for pro-Israel advocacy groups.
• Platform:
• Focus: Digital safety/online protection for kids (her "Common Sense" agenda).
• Economy: Supporting small businesses and the "Bio-Health" corridor in Frederick/Montgomery.
• Governance: Pragmatic, centrist approach backed by Governor Wes Moore and Nancy Pelosi.
2. David Trone (Former Congressman)
• AIPAC Status: Strained. This is complicated. Trone was historically a "Minyan" donor (giving $100k+ annually), but he is currently at odds with the organization. He refuses to take any PAC money (including AIPAC’s PAC) and has called for a ceasefire in Gaza, which has distanced him from the lobby’s leadership.
• Platform:
• Focus: Mental health and the opioid epidemic (his signature issue).
• Independence: Lean's heavily on his "no PAC money" status, claiming his $100% self-funding means he can't be bought.
• Social Justice: Heavy focus on criminal justice reform and voting rights.
The Grassroots / Anti-AIPAC Candidates
3. Ethan Wechtaluk
• AIPAC Status: Explicitly Opposed. He is the only candidate in the race with a formal endorsement from Citizens Against AIPAC Corruption. His campaign is centered on removing the influence of this specific lobby and other large donor groups.
• Platform:
• Reform: Aggressive campaign finance reform and support for Congressional term limits.
• Economy: Grassroots-focused economic policies that prioritize labor over corporate interests.
4. Alexis Goldstein & George Gluck
• AIPAC Status: Independent. Both have distanced themselves from PAC influence entirely.
• Platform:
• Goldstein: Economic justice, healthcare as a human right, and environmental protection.
• Gluck: Progressive activist platform focused on reducing military spending and expanding the social safety net.
Primary Election Day is June 23, 2026. Make sure you’re registered as a Democrat if you want to have a say in this specific race!