What is a Super PAC?

Super PACs are a relatively new phenomenon that allow corporations, unions, and individuals to spend unlimited funds supporting and opposing political candidates. The Supreme Court legalized them in 2010.

Most types of political contributions have spending limits. This helps limit corruption and ensure visible candidates are supported by many people. Because Super PACs have no limits, they are very influential: while candidates can only receive $3,300 per donor, Super PACs regularly spend millions supporting a candidate. As of Feb 2024, Super PACs have spent $211 billion in the 2024 election cycle (OpenSecrets.org).

Both parties rely on Super PACs. Super PACs are unable to directly coordinate with political candidates and must disclose their donors, however these rules are often circumvented.