Gothamist reported Oct. 21 that America PAC has spent more than $500,000 to support Rep. Mike Lawler’s re-election bid in New York’s 17th District, a contest that could affect control of the U.S. House.
Gothamist based its article on federal campaign finance disclosures. It said the largest share of spending went to field efforts to identify voters likely to support Lawler and encourage them to vote; digital advertising also received funding. The reported effort was intended to help Lawler keep the seat. The outlet described the race as competitive and potentially important to control of the House.
Lawler is the Republican incumbent, and Democratic challenger Cait Conley is seeking the seat, FEC candidate records show. The Federal Election Commission (FEC) lists America PAC as an active independent-expenditure-only super PAC. The committee registered on May 22, 2024.
The FEC describes an independent expenditure as a communication that identifies a candidate and expressly urges voters to elect or defeat that person, provided it is made without coordination with the candidate, campaign or party. America PAC made the reported payments, which were not payments to Lawler’s campaign. FEC guidance says super PACs may raise unlimited contributions for this kind of independent political activity.
America PAC was part of Elon Musk’s broader political giving. EconoTimes previously reported on Musk’s third-quarter political spending, including $276 million to Republican-aligned groups and $76 million to America PAC.
Conley criticized the spending in a campaign video, referring to it as “super PAC dark money” directed toward Lawler. Lawler campaign manager Ciro Riccardi told Gothamist the campaign had no control over outside groups’ spending: “We have no say over what America PAC or any other outside group spends in this race.”
The FEC calendar sets the general election for Nov. 3.
