PHOENIX — The largest Political Action Committee in Arizona reports raising more than $35 million to support abortion access, according to a 12News analysis of Arizona Secretary of State campaign finance data. The Arizona for Abortion Access PAC has spent more than $30 million to support the passage of Proposition 139, as of its latest report.
The PAC opposing Prop 139, the It Goes Too Far PAC, has reported spending less than $1 million, as of the latest October filing.
“$30 million is a lot of money, and I think that we have done a really good job at putting that money to use,” said Chris Love, with the Arizona for Abortion Access campaign, recognizing that despite the limited funds from opponents, this is still a contested ballot measure.
“They have not raised a significant amount of money, but I think that they're doing what they can with what they have. And so we've seen a lot of signs. We've seen some op-eds. But I think it's clear from the finance reports that, you know, we've far out raised them.”
The fundraising efforts make Prop 139 the most expensive statewide initiative this election cycle by a wide margin. The next highest fundraiser supporting a ballot initiative is the Make Elections Fair PAC, which reports raising $15 million in support of Prop 140, to change Arizona’s primary elections.
Their opponents, the No on Prop 140 PAC, reported raising $150,000 against the initiative, although other groups have kicked in to pay for ads against the ballot measure.
Beyond the ballot measures – millions of dollars are being spent to support state lawmakers in the Arizona House and Senate.
The PAC for America’s Future is working across the country to support Democrats in state legislatures. The Arizona filings reflect spending not only in this state but in key swing states including Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan and more.
In Arizona, the PAC for America’s Future has spent about $3.7 million supporting Arizona Democrats, including the Arizona Democratic Legislative Committee and the Arizona Democratic Party.
The PAC for America’s Future describes “The States Project” on its website as an effort to win “governing majorities in state legislatures,” by funding state-level campaigns. The spending in Arizona reflects a significant influx in cash to support Democrats in high stakes races for the Arizona state house and senate. This PAC is among several that report fundraising and spending to support Democrats in state races.
Right now, Republicans hold a majority in both chambers of the state legislature, but the margins are slim. Republicans control the state senate with 16 seats to Democrat’s 14, and the state house with 31 lawmakers to Democrat’s 29.
Democrats haven’t had control of either chamber in decades. Republicans intend to keep it that way.
PACs backing Republicans, including the Arizona Senate and House Victory Fund PACs report spending about $4 million combined so far.
A spokesperson for Senate Victory Fund said they are focused on spending money to protect and win the most competitive seats.
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