Last week, we reported that Republicans have distributed more from leadership PACs than Democrats have handed out, with a few months remaining in the election cycle. This week, we look at which lawmakers have given out the most money from their political action committees.
Politicians use leadership PACs to build support for their own ambitions by distributing money to colleagues’ campaigns. Given that GOP leadership PACs have handed out $34.9 million to candidates, compared to Democrats’ $24.2 million in contributions, it’s no surprise that individual Republicans dominate the list of top 20 donors.
As of June 30, only two leadership PACs have given out more than $1 million: Speaker Mike Johnson’s American Revival PAC has distributed $1.2 million and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s Eye of the Tiger PAC has handed out $1.1 million. The two Louisiana Republicans are followed by Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. His Buckeye Liberty PAC has given $900,000 to Republican candidates.
House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (Mass.) is the top Democrat on the list. Her Fair Shot PAC has distributed $882,000 so far.
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Republicans account for 12 of the top 20 spots on the list, including seven of the top 10. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (N.Y.), the most powerful Democrat in the chamber, is ninth with $720,000 given out.
Only two senators cracked the top 20, and just barely. Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who has given out $378,500 through his Purpose PAC, is 17th. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) has given out $358,500 through his Liftoff PAC, good for 19th place.
