Independence USA PAC
Democratsuper pacReally Controlled By
Michael Bloomberg personally — sole meaningful funder; focused exclusively on gun control and climate change; the most transparent major super PAC
Total Raised (2024)
$45.0M
Total Spent (2024)
$40.0M
Cash on Hand
$5.0M
Key Races
1
Dark Money
20/100
Transparency
70/100
📖 The Story
Independence USA PAC raised $45.0M in 2024, making it one of the most significant political action committees of the election cycle. Of that war chest, $40.0M was deployed — leaving $5.0M in reserve for future influence campaigns.
The money came from Michael Bloomberg, among others. Each contribution represents a bet — that the PAC's spending will shape outcomes favorable to the donor's interests.
The PAC spent its war chest on unknown. Every dollar aimed at tipping the scales.
Independence USA PAC is Michael Bloomberg's personal super PAC, dedicated primarily to supporting candidates who back gun control and climate action. At $45 million in 2024, it is one of the most transparent major super PACs — almost entirely funded by one disclosed donor (Bloomberg himself), with clear policy priorities and straightforward spending patterns. Bloomberg's total political spending across all vehicles — Independence USA PAC, Everytown for Gun Safety, climate organizations, and his failed presidential campaign — exceeds $1.5 billion career. Bloomberg's approach to political spending is distinctive: he identifies two issues (gun control and climate change), funds organizations and candidates dedicated to those issues, and spends with discipline rather than ideology. Unlike donors who fund the political spectrum broadly, Bloomberg concentrates his spending where he believes it will have the most impact, treating political spending with the same analytical rigor he applies to his financial data company. The PAC functions as the anti-NRA in many races, providing financial support to candidates who back gun control measures like universal background checks, assault weapons restrictions, and red flag laws. As the NRA's spending has collapsed, Bloomberg's political operation — spanning Independence USA PAC, Everytown, and Moms Demand Action — has become the dominant financial force in gun politics, outspending the NRA in most competitive races. Bloomberg's personal wealth ($100+ billion) means he can outspend entire industries on his chosen issues. This concentration of spending power raises legitimate concerns about whether one person should have this level of influence over American politics — the same concern that applies to Musk, the Koch network, and other mega-donors. Bloomberg's spending happens to align with majority public opinion on gun control, but the structural concern about individual wealth translating directly into political power applies regardless of the policy direction.
🎭 Key Operatives
The people pulling the strings behind Independence USA PAC.
Michael Bloomberg
Sole funder and strategic decision-maker
Howard Wolfson
Bloomberg's chief political advisor
Kevin Sheekey
Bloomberg's campaign manager and political strategist
💰 Where the Money Went
The most notable expenditures by Independence USA PAC — every line represents an attempt to shape an election outcome.
| Race | Candidate | Amount | Outcome | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various House races | Gun control and climate candidates | $40.0M | Mixed | 2024 |
💡 Did You Know?
Bloomberg's total political spending exceeds $1.5B career — more than most countries' political systems cost in total
Independence USA PAC is one of the most transparent super PACs — almost entirely funded by one named donor
Bloomberg's gun control spending now dwarfs the NRA's — a complete reversal of gun politics financing
Despite spending $1B on his own presidential campaign, Bloomberg may have more influence as a donor than he ever would as a candidate
⚠️ Controversies
Legal challenges, ethical concerns, and public scrutiny.
One-man PAC raises concentration of power concerns — even when policies align with public opinion
Bloomberg's $100B+ wealth means he can outspend entire industries on his chosen issues
His failed $1B presidential campaign raised questions about whether he's better as a donor than a candidate
🔍 Transparency Score
How much donor information is publicly disclosed.
High transparency.
🕳️ Dark Money Score
Hidden or untraceable funding sources.
Relatively transparent.
💸 Top Expenditures
Where the money actually went.
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Various | — | $20.0M |
| Various | — | $15.0M |
| Various | — | $5.0M |
🏁 Key Races
Elections where this PAC concentrated its spending.