American Bridge 21st Century/AB PAC

Political leanings: Democratic/liberal 2022 total spending: $51.1 million American Bridge 21st Century is a liberal hybrid PAC that conducts opposition research and runs ads to aid Democratic candidates and organizations. Since 2019, its official name has been AB PAC. The group was founded in November 2010 by David Brock, a conservative-turned-liberal activist. After becoming known as a self-described “right-wing hit man,” Brock reinvented himself as a liberal crusader. In 2004, Brock founded Media Matters, which monitors “conservative misinformation.” As part super PAC, AB PAC can accept unlimited donations and has largely been funded by major Democratic donors and labor unions. Those donors must be disclosed, according to federal election rules. Bradley Beychok, a former president of Media Matters, is the co-founder of the hybrid PAC and served as the group’s president until March 2021. Opposition research veteran Pat Dennis took over as president in December 2022, replacing Jessica Floyd, who previously had been managing director of campaigns for the progressive Hub Project. For the 2024 election cycle, the group has set a goal of spending $200 million, including $140 million on paid advertising and direct mail targeting voters in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania and potentially North Carolina. “These ads will feature...