NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani called out AIPAC's "dark money" influence and refused to back down, which is bad for the pro-Israel lobby's grip on Democratic politics.

• Mamdani accused AIPAC of moving hidden money to buy off politicians and protect Israel's actions in Gaza.
• Critics, including Rep. Josh Gottheimer, called the remarks dangerous and anti-Semitic, claiming "AIPAC" is code for "Jews."
• Mamdani refused to apologize, saying his points about direct donations and shell-group dark money are simply accurate.
• Several anti-Zionist Jewish voices defended him, rejecting the idea that criticizing the lobby is anti-Semitic.
• Democratic candidates Mamdani endorsed declined to criticize him, suggesting opposing AIPAC is now a political asset, not a liability.

Outlook: With polls showing most Americans want the conflict to end, attacking AIPAC openly is likely to keep gaining ground among Democratic voters.