Why It Matters

Why It Matters

The American Democracy Project, a Democratic-aligned super PAC, says on its website that its mission is to “support Democrats who support our democracy.” Its federal filings show a more complicated picture. The group has reported about $575,000 in spending across four congressional races, and $148,000 of that went toward opposing two Democratic candidates. ​

Through Sept. 7, the committee reported $478,500 in receipts, about $427,152 in disbursements and $51,348 in cash on hand. Its separately filed independent expenditure reports, which include activity after that reporting period closed, add up to roughly $575,067.

What It Spent

The committee's spending extends beyond supporting Democratic candidates, as about $303,000 of its reported spending opposes candidates from both parties.

Its largest beneficiary is Democratic Alaska Senate candidate David Bryan Leslie, who has received approximately $272,000. Its largest target is Sydney Gruters, a Republican candidate in Florida's 16th U.S. House District, with approximately $103,000 spent opposing her.

The committee has also spent $83,000 opposing Democrat Aisha Wahab, $65,000 opposing Democrat Marlene Galan-Woods, and approximately $53,000 opposing Republican Jay Feely. Its spending against Democratic candidates reflects involvement in contested races within the party, rather than exclusively campaigning against Republicans.

Who Funds It

Senate Majority PAC (SMP) contributed $300,000 to the American Democracy Project on Aug. 6, accounting for approximately 63% of the committee's $478,500 in reported receipts. United Action Council, a Boston-area organization, contributed $50,000 on July 14.

Three individual contributors provided another $128,500: Rishi K. Bhutada Shraddha contributed $100,000 across two $50,000 donations on July 9 and July 20; Sachin Kulkarni contributed $25,000 on July 21; and Mihir Meghani contributed $3,500 on July 25.

The Ad Buy

Pinpoint Digital LLC handled digital advertising for several House races, while Skyridge Strategies LLC handled advertising for the Alaska Senate race.

On Aug. 6, the committee reported a $119,000 expenditure through Skyridge Strategies for digital advertisements supporting Leslie. Four days later, it reported a $93,000 direct-mail expenditure through TBOCN LLC supporting Leslie. Together with other reported activity, the committee's Alaska spending illustrates its concentration of resources on Leslie's candidacy.

Pinpoint Digital received reported payments of $55,000 on Oct. 5 and $40,000 on Oct. 13 for digital advertisements opposing Gruters. The vendor also handled a $50,000 digital advertising expenditure opposing Wahab on July 21. Redhorse Strategies handled direct mail opposing Feely, with reported expenditures of $25,000 on Oct. 2 and $27,000 on Oct. 12.

Other Spenders in the Same Races

In California's 14th Congressional District, United Democracy Project has reportedly spent about $1.64 million opposing Wahab and $825,000 supporting Melissa Hernandez. Bold America has reportedly spent $1.84 million supporting Hernandez and $611,000 opposing Wahab, while the Committee for Working Families has spent $782,000 supporting Wahab.

In Arizona's 1st Congressional District, Congressional Leadership Fund has reportedly spent $4.26 million opposing Amish Shah. Bold America has spent approximately $1.75 million opposing Shah and $225,000 supporting Galan-Woods, while Safety & Affordability PAC Inc. has spent $1.69 million opposing Shah.

In Alaska's Senate race, Senate Leadership Fund PAC has reportedly spent $11.68 million opposing Mary Peltola and $422,000 supporting incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). North Star has reportedly spent $10.13 million opposing Sullivan and $53,000 supporting Peltola.

In Florida's 16th Congressional District, Conservatives for American Excellence Inc. has reportedly spent $1.04 million supporting Gruters, $860,000 opposing Jason Speir and $662,000 opposing Kelly Kirschner. Defend American Jobs has reportedly spent $502,000 supporting Gruters.

You can explore more about this committee's filings at Legis1.com.

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