Jane Fonda's PAC Invests Millions in Left-Wing Candidates Ahead of Midterms
The actress's Climate PAC has funded numerous socialist and progressive candidates, aiming to elect 'climate champions' at various levels of government.
Jane Fonda’s Climate PAC has directed millions of dollars toward socialist and far-left candidates in the lead-up to November’s midterm elections. The PAC's financial activities, revealed in its latest federal campaign filing, show significant contributions to Democrats whose political and climate agendas align with Fonda's.
The PAC has raised $8 million and disbursed over $5 million to congressional, state, and local races this year. The expenditures include $1.8 million for operations, $3.4 million in direct funding, and $228,000 to other committees, while retaining $5 million in reserve.
Fonda, an established activist known for her environmental advocacy, has previously participated in protests supporting the Green New Deal. Her PAC's contributions, often in $5,000 increments, have targeted competitive House races in states such as Pennsylvania and North Carolina, potentially influencing the balance of power in Congress.
Among the recipients of the PAC's support are State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Tenn.), who received $5,000. Pearson was expelled from the Tennessee state House after a gun control protest but was later reinstated. Another $5,000 contribution went to Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic Senate candidate in South Carolina challenging Republican Sen. Darline Graham.
The PAC has also backed Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive candidate facing Republican Michele Tafoya. In Wisconsin, the PAC contributed to socialist gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. Beyond federal races, the PAC has supported candidates for lower-level offices, including a county commission candidate in Oregon and Democrats in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where contributions helped secure control of the county council.
Michigan House congressional candidate William Lawrence, co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, also received a $5,000 contribution. Lawrence has a history of climate activism, including a past felony charge for trespassing during a pipeline protest. The PAC also donated to Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), a proponent of the Green New Deal.
According to its stated mission, Jane Fonda’s Climate PAC aims to elect climate champions by countering the influence of the fossil fuel industry. Fonda has previously expressed admiration for the strategic approach of Republicans in winning local and state-level elections, indicating a focus on down-ballot races to achieve political impact.
Earlier this year, it was reported that billionaire Tom Steyer donated $310,000 to Fonda's PAC before receiving her endorsement for his gubernatorial campaign.