If you think credit unions are just about free checking and slightly better interest rates, think again.
America’s Credit Unions and its Political Action Committee are gearing up to spend a combined $8 million on the 2026 midterm elections. That’s not exactly pocket change—and it’s all going toward making sure Congress stays friendly to the credit union movement.
Here’s what makes this interesting: this isn’t some corporate slush fund. The PAC runs on grassroots donations, with the average contributor chipping in less than $100 a year. It’s a testament to how seriously credit union members take their financial future—and proof that you don’t need deep-pocketed donors to make a serious impact. During the 2024 election cycle, America’s Credit Unions ranked among the top PACs for candidate contributions, so they’re clearly playing in the big leagues.
Why Credit Unions Are Going All-In on Politics
“America’s Credit Unions is bipartisan and laser-focused on electing credit union champions,” said Scott Simpson, President and CEO of America’s Credit Unions. “146 million Americans rely on cooperative finance for safe, affordable financial services, and our political support helps candidates who understand the credit union difference.”
Translation: when you’ve got 146 million Americans depending on your industry, you need lawmakers who get it. Credit unions aren’t banks—they’re member-owned cooperatives that serve everyone from teachers and first responders to veterans and small business owners. Keeping that model alive means protecting things like their federal income tax exemption, safeguarding interchange fees, and fighting the fraud epidemic that’s plaguing the financial sector.
Where the Money’s Going Right Now
The PAC isn’t waiting around. Campaigns are already underway in states like California and Alabama, with voters hearing positive messages about candidates who’ve championed credit union priorities. America’s Credit Unions is teaming up with state league partners to target messaging directly to credit union members—because who better to reach than the people who already understand what’s at stake?
Three primary races are getting the big push, with a combined $1 million being spent on:
- Rep. Young Kim (R-CA-40): Independent expenditure campaign using direct mail and digital ads in a newly redrawn district.
- Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA-32): A coordinated member communications blitz with direct mail and digital ads, done in partnership with California’s Credit Unions.
- Rhett Marques (R-AL-01): A coordinated campaign with digital ads and direct mail in partnership with The League, supporting a proven credit union ally running for an open seat.
The Bigger Picture
America’s Credit Unions PAC isn’t playing favorites when it comes to party politics—contributions are split nearly 50/50 between Democrats and Republicans. That bipartisan approach has helped it crack the top five among association PACs nationwide. Not too shabby for an industry that prides itself on putting members before profits.
The bottom line? In today’s political climate, having voices in Congress who understand and defend credit unions isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential. Without that representation, the financial services landscape could look very different for millions of Americans who depend on the credit union difference.
Want to know more about which candidates are getting support? Check out America’s Credit Unions’ list of supported candidates to see who’s fighting for your financial cooperative.
Related:
Building the defense for credit union tax status
America’s Credit Unions PAC wins big in IL primary