PACs Strategically Secure Post-Election Contributions

In recent elections, a striking trend has emerged where political action committees (PACs) pivot their support following the defeat of their favored candidates. When former Representative Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) campaigned for a seventh term, Google Inc.’s PAC contributed $2,000 to his efforts. After Cartwright’s loss, the company promptly shifted its support to the new winner, Republican Rob Bresnahan, matching its previous donation.

Similarly, AT&T Inc. made a $6,000 contribution to Senator Sherrod Brown’s re-election campaign, only to switch allegiance to Republican Bernie Moreno, who won the Ohio Senate seat, with a $5,000 donation post-election. Merck & Co. also followed suit, initially supporting Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) with $10,000, then contributing $5,000 to Dave McCormick, the Republican candidate who defeated him.

Among the three Senate and 11 House candidates replacing incumbents in 2024, nine received post-election donations from various corporate, union, and trade association PACs that had previously backed their opponents. An analysis of OpenSecrets data and Federal Election Commission filings reveals a strategic approach reminiscent of betting on race winners once outcomes are clear.

Such timely contributions provide corporations and unions an opportunity to cultivate relationships with incoming lawmakers before they formally assume their roles in January. For the newly elected officials, these funds serve as essential building blocks for their re-election campaigns, even while the specifics of their challengers remain unknown.

National trade associations, including the National Association of Realtors, have also contributed to newcomers after their preferred candidates were ousted. “RPAC’s mission is to support candidates who understand and champion real estate issues,” stated Jonathan Waclawski, vice president for political advocacy at the National Association of Realtors. His organization aims to foster relationships with new members of Congress, irrespective of party affiliation, to advocate for policies beneficial to homeowners and the community.

The Transport Workers Union PAC exemplifies this strategy as well. Previously backing Republican incumbents Marc Molinaro and Anthony D’Esposito, both of whom lost their races, the union redirected its support, donating $2,500 each to Democratic winners Josh Riley and Laura Gillen. John Samuelsen, the union’s international president, emphasized the importance of establishing relationships with elected officials to further the interests of transport workers.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has nominated Molinaro for a position leading the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), an appointment welcomed by the union. Samuelsen remarked, “His experience will be essential for navigating transit issues nationwide,” highlighting Molinaro’s willingness to collaborate across the aisle.