Out-Of-State Billionaires Pour Millions into Democrat Super PAC to Turn Arizona Legislature Blue

By Staff Reporter |

PAC for America’s Future, a prominent Democrat super political action committee, is making significant investments in Arizona this election year. It stands as Arizona’s largest PAC and a crucial donor to the Democratic Party.

Arizona, a key swing state, has attracted considerable attention from PAC for America’s Future. The PAC ranks as the second-largest in the state, boasting over $9.5 million in income and $4.2 million in expenditures, according to the Arizona secretary of state’s campaign finance portal. It holds the highest cash balance in the state with over $8.3 million.

Most contributions come from outside Arizona. AZ Free News reported that Arizonan donors contributed slightly less than $13,500, equating to .0014 percent of total donations. Significant contributions stem from wealthy out-of-state Democrats.

Jonathan Soros, son of billionaire George Soros, donated $2 million, making him the PAC’s largest donor. Other substantial contributions include:

• $1 million from Wendy and Barry Munger, children of the late Berkshire Hathaway vice chair.
• $500,000 from Oklahoma billionaire Lynn Schusterman.
• $400,000 from Indiana philanthropist Deborah Simon.
• $300,000 from New Mexico’s Debra Ann Efroymson.
• $250,000 from New York property tycoon Gideon Friedman.

PAC for America’s Future aligns with various affiliates and nonprofit entities. Previously known as “Future Now Fund,” it supports democratic causes through connections with entities like Future Now Action and Future Forward USA Action. These nonprofits run a super PAC, Future Forward PAC, which has amassed nearly $19 million this year.

This financial network plays a crucial role for the Democratic Party. Jennifer O’Malley Dillon, White House deputy chief of staff, emphasized the importance of the Future Forward ecosystem in the 2020 presidential election, indicating its ongoing influence.

The Soros family’s Open Societies Foundation contributed $15 million to Future Forward USA Action in 2022. Arabella Advisors’ dark money network also contributed significantly to PAC for America’s Future and related nonprofits.

Despite minimal contributions from Arizonans, the Arizona Democratic Party and its candidates have benefited. The Arizona Democratic Party received nearly $300,000 in recent campaign finance reports. Over $140,000 was spent on Democratic candidates, with each receiving $10,800. AZ List PAC also received $27,000.

PAC for America’s Future operates as a “hybrid” committee, allowing for both independent expenditures and direct contributions to candidates. A donor’s first $5,000 goes into a contribution account, with excess funds channeled into a non-federal account for unlimited political support through PAC for America’s Future’s 527 committee.

The 527 Committee collaborates with Future Now Action on “The States Project” (TSP), a joint initiative aimed at flipping the Arizona legislature blue. TSP has claimed credit for key victories in 2018, 2020, and 2022 and is eyeing further gains in 2024.

Based on the influx of funds through various channels, it’s clear that wealthy out-of-state interests are keen on transforming Arizona from a swing state into a Democratic stronghold.

AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.