Why It Matters

VoteVets directed millions of dollars in outside spending across candidates it both supported and opposed in the 2026 cycle, with the Iowa U.S. Senate race drawing the largest single commitment. The group describes itself as America's largest progressive veterans organization, with a mission to "elevate the voices of Veterans and military families through Democratic legislative policies and electoral endorsements." Through Aug. 31, VoteVets raised $25.998 million, spent $30.89 million, and held $5.36 million in cash.

What It Spent

Periodic reports through Aug. 31 show $18.34 million in independent expenditures. All filings total $19.16 million.

Where the Money Went

Democrat Joshua Turek, running for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat, drew approximately $9.76 million in VoteVets independent expenditures, the committee's largest investment in a single candidate. Democrat Matthew Maasdam, running as a Democrat in Michigan's 7th District, drew approximately $2.15 million.

Democrat Maura Corby Sullivan received approximately $1.21 million in support in New Hampshire's 1st District, while Democrat Cait Conley received approximately $1.08 million in New York's 17th District and Democrat Luke Bronin received approximately $1.04 million in Connecticut's 1st District.

VoteVets also spent in New Jersey's 7th District supporting Democrat Rebecca Bennett and spent $320,434 opposing Republican Stefany Shaheen, who was running in the same New Hampshire 1st District race as Sullivan.

Who Funds It

VoteVets Action Fund, the organization's affiliated advocacy arm, was its largest reported donor at $1 million. The UA Union Plumbers & Pipefitters Vote! PAC contributed $750,000, while The Bench gave $650,000, Project 218 contributed $500,000, and Serving CA contributed $425,546.

The funding reflects VoteVets' broader political identity as a progressive veterans organization. Its affiliated VoteVets Action Fund advocates on issues affecting troops, veterans, and military families, including veterans' health care and employment, foreign policy, energy security, service members' rights, and democratic institutions.

The Ad Spend

Waterfront Strategies received $625,220 on March 23 for a TV advertising buy supporting Turek in Iowa. The same vendor was paid $744,467 on April 21 for another TV advertising buy supporting Turek. VoteVets separately announced an $825,000 statewide advertising campaign supporting Turek in March and continued adding television and digital advertising during the spring.

Targeted Platform Media, LLC received $650,000 on Aug. 24 for a TV advertising buy supporting Sullivan in New Hampshire's 1st District. Aisle 518 Strategies was paid $300,000 on May 6 for a digital advertising buy supporting Democrat Nancy Lacore in South Carolina's 1st District. Admire Media, LLC received $227,904 on July 24 for a TV advertising buy supporting Bronin in Connecticut's 1st District.

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

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