American Bridge 21st Century/AB PAC

American Bridge 21st Century/AB PAC, a liberal-leaning political action committee, has announced plans to spend up to $50 million during the 2026 election cycle, marking one of its largest financial commitments in a midterm cycle. The group, officially renamed AB PAC in 2019, operates as a hybrid PAC, conducting opposition research and running targeted advertising to support Democratic candidates and organizations. As of June 30, it had raised nearly $34.8 million for the 2026 cycle, with approximately $5.1 million remaining in its account, according to its latest filing with the Federal Election Commission. Founded in November 2010 by David Brock, a former conservative activist turned liberal organizer, AB PAC has evolved into a key player in Democratic fundraising and strategy. Brock initially gained notoriety as a “right-wing hit man” for his work monitoring and exposing conservative misinformation through his organization, Media Matters for America, which he established in 2004. He later shifted his focus toward liberal causes, leading to the creation of AB PAC. Bradley Beychok, a former president of Media Matters, co-founded the PAC and served as its leader until March 2021. Pat Dennis, an experienced opposition researcher, became president in December 2022, succeeding Jessica Floyd, who had previously managed campaigns for the progressive Hub Project. In preparation for the 2026 elections, AB PAC has outlined a strategic plan to target key battleground states, including Iowa, Alaska, Colorado, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Its efforts will focus on nearly 20 House and Senate races, aiming to strengthen the Democratic presence in traditionally Republican districts. The group’s messaging will emphasize issues such as rising costs linked to former President Donald Trump’s policies, including tariffs and involvement in the Iran War, as well as healthcare challenges like increased medical expenses and Medicaid funding reductions. A June press release highlighted these themes as central to its campaign strategy. AB PAC has already allocated over $1 million in independent expenditures during the current election cycle, supporting efforts to oppose several prominent Republican candidates. These included Rep. Ashley Hinson, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and former state Rep. Joe Mitchell, all of whom secured Republican nominations in their respective races. Additionally, the group has launched a project titled “The Shaky Eights,” aimed at challenging 17 vulnerable Republican House incumbents, among them Rep. French Hill of Arkansas and Rep. Virginia Foxx of North Carolina. In Mississippi, AB PAC plans to invest more than $2 million in support of Democratic Senate nominee Scott Colom in his contest against Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. The group has also contributed over $7 million to Texas Majority PAC, an organization focused on electing a Democrat to statewide office in Texas. During the 2024 elections, AB PAC spent approximately $97.7 million, with around $58.6 million directed toward independent expenditures opposing former President Donald Trump. Campaign materials focused on Trump’s rollback of abortion rights in states like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as his legal troubles, including his criminal conviction, actions related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and broader conduct. This level of spending underscores AB PAC’s growing influence in shaping electoral outcomes through both direct advocacy and strategic resource allocation.