Political Action Committees (PACs)

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What is a PAC? A PAC is a political committee that raises and spends money to elect or defeat candidates. Most PACs represent businesses, such as the Microsoft PAC; labor unions, such as the Teamsters PAC; or ideological interests, such as the EMILY's List PAC or the National Rifle Association PAC. An organization's PAC will solicit money from the group's employees or members and make contributions in the name of the PAC to candidates and political parties. Individuals contributing to a PAC may also contribute directly to candidates and political parties, even those also supported by the PAC. [Read More About the definition and history of PACs]

PAC Summary: Totals by Party and Recipient Type, 1990-2024

Top PACs Giving to Candidates, 2023-2024

PAC Name Total Amount
Never Back Down Inc $5,250,100
National Assn of Realtors $4,186,500
American Israel Public Affairs Cmte $3,037,900
Blue Cross/Blue Shield $2,930,850
National Beer Wholesalers Assn $2,790,000
American Crystal Sugar $2,775,000
America's Credit Unions $2,757,660
Operating Engineers Union $2,569,717
National Auto Dealers Assn $2,552,500
American Bankers Assn $2,470,516
Sheet Metal, Air, Rail & Transportation Union $2,462,600
Machinists/Aerospace Workers Union $2,361,000
American Federation of State/Cnty/Munic Employees $2,310,500
Laborers Union $2,253,300
American Council of Engineering Cos $2,249,900
National Air Traffic Controllers Assn $2,232,000
Trump 47 Cmte $2,220,530
Air Line Pilots Assn $2,200,000
Council of Insurance Agents & Brokers $2,160,000
American Assn for Justice $2,147,500

Based on data released by the Federal Election Commission on February 06, 2025.

NOTE: PACs with diversified interests are listed under their primary business (e.g., you'll find Boeing under "aircraft manufacturers" rather than "defense aerospace").

Also, for ease of identification, the names used in this section are those of the organization connected with the PAC, rather than the official PAC name. For example, the "Coca-Cola Company Nonpartisan Committee for Good Government" is simply listed as "Coca-Cola Co."

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