When it comes to getting the right people into Congress, America’s Credit Unions isn’t playing small ball. The organization just announced a major independent expenditure campaign for Utah congressional candidate Ben McAdams—and it’s part of a much bigger bet on candidates who actually get what credit unions do for everyday Americans.
This latest push for McAdams joins ongoing campaigns supporting Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif. District 40) and Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif. District 36), both facing California primary voters on June 2. Translation: America’s Credit Unions is backing champions on both sides of the aisle, because supporting members matters more than partisan politics.
Why McAdams Matters
The McAdams campaign launches this week with the full arsenal—direct mail, digital video, radio ads, and a dedicated website. And here’s the kicker: McAdams is running in Utah District 1, which happens to host one of the densest concentrations of credit unions anywhere in the country. So yeah, this race hits close to home for the credit union movement.
“Credit unions need leaders in Congress who understand the vital role they play in strengthening local communities, expanding financial opportunity, and serving millions of Americans,” said Scott Simpson, President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions. He emphasized the organization’s partnership with California’s Credit Unions and the Utah Credit Union Association in backing candidates who’ve consistently shown up for the movement.
“Young Kim, Brad Sherman, and Ben McAdams understand the value credit unions bring to consumers and local economies, and they have proven to be strong advocates for policies that help credit unions thrive,” Simpson added. “As we look ahead to the 120th Congress, electing leaders who support credit unions and their members has never been more important.”
Record-Breaking Investments in a Make-or-Break Cycle
Here’s the context you need: this election cycle is brutal. A historic number of open seats and competitive races nationwide means the stakes are sky-high. America’s Credit Unions is responding with record-breaking political investments through both America’s Credit Unions PAC and the National Advocacy Fund (NAF).
The money’s going toward strategic voter outreach in key districts—the kind of targeted engagement designed to mobilize credit union members and ensure proven champions make it to Congress.
California Campaigns Already in Full Swing
For Rep. Young Kim, who faces voters in tomorrow’s California primary, America’s Credit Unions PAC rolled out a robust independent expenditure campaign featuring digital advertising and direct mail. The early investment highlighted Kim’s track record supporting policies that benefit credit unions and the people they serve.
Meanwhile, the NAF teamed up with California’s Credit Unions to run a comprehensive voter engagement effort for Rep. Brad Sherman, also on tomorrow’s ballot. The campaign included digital ads, direct mail, and get-out-the-vote communications aimed squarely at credit union members across the district. The message: Sherman has been a longtime credit union ally committed to protecting affordable financial services for consumers.
Strategic, Early, and Unapologetic
“Our political investments this cycle reflect the high stakes facing credit unions and the importance of electing leaders who understand our movement,” said Trey Hawkins, Head of Political Affairs for America’s Credit Unions. “With a record number of competitive races, we are engaging early and strategically to support candidates like Ben McAdams, whose commitment to community-focused leadership aligns with credit unions’ mission of serving members and strengthening local economies.”
Bottom line? America’s Credit Unions is putting serious resources behind candidates who walk the walk when it comes to supporting community financial institutions. In an election year this competitive, that kind of commitment could make all the difference.