Agribusiness Has Poured $75.8 Million Into Midterms, Lopsided Toward GOP

Agribusiness has given more than twice as much to Republican candidates as to Democrats this cycle — $75.8 million total to candidates, with outside-group spending pushing sector totals far higher, according to third-quarter OpenSecrets data obtained by Agri-Pulse.

The top 20 agribusiness contributors alone gave nearly $15.5 million to candidates of both parties. Republicans received four times as much as Democrats from that group. Reyes Holdings, the food and beverage distributor working with Coca-Cola, McDonald's and beer products, topped Republican giving; sugarbeet processor American Crystal Sugar led Democratic donations.

The two donors' splits tell the fuller story. American Crystal Sugar gave more than $1.2 million to Republican candidates. Reyes Holdings gave just over $14,000 to Democrats — but its total industry-leading contributions reached $21.2 million, of which $19.3 million went to conservative outside groups.

"Our farmer-owned cooperative has operated its political action committee for decades to educate candidates for federal office on agricultural issues without favor to party or platform," American Crystal Sugar said in a statement. "Our PAC seeks only to build trusting relationships with policymakers who influence decisions that impact the livelihoods of American Crystal farmers, employees, and communities."

The National Cotton Council, the 10th-largest contributor, directed just over 70% of its PAC disbursements to Republicans while still giving to both parties in both chambers.

Where the big money actually goes

Only 22% of the sector's political contributions went to candidates this cycle. The remainder flowed to outside groups — politically active nonprofits, party committees and super PACs that have grown since the 2010 Citizens United decision.

The sector spent $76.6 million on outside groups, and $74.6 million of that went to conservative organizations. The top 20 donors accounted for $71.8 million, the vast majority of the total.

One newcomer drew particular attention. The American Meat Producers Association launched a $30 million ad campaign targeting lawmakers advocating the Save Our Bacon Act or seeking to overturn California's Proposition 12, which sets minimum space and movement requirements for certain livestock. That put AMPA at odds with the National Pork Producers Council, which backs the bill. FEC filings show AMPA's PAC has disclosed contributions only from individual donors and the association itself.

What does the Nov. 3 election change for agriculture committees?

Both panels face leadership turnover. House Agriculture Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minn., lost her Senate primary and will leave the House. Rep. Shontel Brown, D-Ohio, has filed a letter seeking the top Democratic slot and would chair the panel if Democrats win the House. She has drawn backing from the National Cotton Council, Tyson Foods, JBS, Syngenta, American Sugar Cane League, National Wheat Growers Association and Dairy Farmers of America.

On the Senate side, ranking Democrat Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota is running for governor to succeed Tim Walz. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., after losing his own governor primary, is the leading contender by seniority. On Sept. 30 he received $2,000 from the National Association of Wheat Growers and $2,500 from the International Fresh Produce Association, per FEC filings. New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker, the sixth-highest Senate fundraiser at nearly $36 million raised and almost $19 million spent, had expressed interest before Bennet's primary loss.

In the chair's race, Rep. Austin Scott, R-Ga., has raised $1.4 million in his challenge to House Ag Chair Glenn "GT" Thompson, R-Pa., backed by the National Pork Producers Council, American Meat Institute, Western Peanut Growers and Plains Cotton Growers. Thompson has raised $2.2 million, with donations from Tyson Foods, John Deere, the American Soybean Association, American Crystal Sugar and the National Milk Producers Federation.

Farm-state candidates raise big — but rarely from agribusiness

Wisconsin's 3rd District race shifted from "Toss Up" to "Lean Democrat" last Friday per the Cook Political Report. Challenger Rebecca Cooke has raised $12.7 million, 10th among House candidates, yet received 98.3% less agribusiness money than the average House candidate — a single $1,000 September donation from National Farmers Union. Incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden, an agriculture committee member, has raised $9.1 million total, including $101,800 from agricultural groups — 78.5% above the House average.

In Iowa's Senate race, Democrat Josh Turek has outraised Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson $24.3 million to $14.1 million, but trails badly in agricultural dollars: $48,000 to her $536,000. Hinson's agribusiness haul of $224,500 runs 484.3% above the average Senate candidate, backed largely by food, crop production, sugar and livestock interests.

Texas state Rep. James Talarico leads all Senate fundraisers at $146.3 million in his toss-up race against Attorney General Ken Paxton — but has raised nothing from agribusiness. Paxton's $12,800 from the sector sits 66.7% below the Senate average.

The third-quarter FEC filing deadline was Oct. 15, covering transactions through Sept. 30, making these figures the closest available picture of campaign finance heading into the Nov. 3 midterms.