WASHINGTON—Fifty-three of the 55 candidates backed by the America’s Credit Unions political action committee in Tuesday’s primary elections advanced to their respective general elections, while two races remained too close to call, according to America’s Credit Unions.
Primary elections were held Tuesday in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.
PAC-Backed Candidates Advance
According to America’s Credit Unions, the results demonstrate the effectiveness of its political advocacy efforts and support for candidates viewed as allies of the credit union movement.
“A key component of successful advocacy is electing credit union champions to Congress so that our interests are protected from Main Street to the halls of Capitol Hill,” Trey Hawkins, head of political affairs for America’s Credit Unions, said in a statement. “Members of Congress who prove that they understand the credit union difference and are willing to champion us are key partners in this movement. (Tuesday’s) results underscore the power of credit unions and we look forward to continuing our support as the primary election season continues.”
California Races
America’s Credit Unions highlighted several California contests in which it was involved.
According to the organization:
- Rep. Brad Sherman (D0CA), advanced to the general election in California’s 32nd Congressional District despite facing a competitive field in a newly drawn district.
- America’s Credit Unions conducted a member communications campaign in support of Sherman.
- The National Advocacy Fund, working with California’s Credit Unions, delivered digital advertising, direct mail and get-out-the-vote messages to credit union members throughout Sherman’s district.
- Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) in the 40th Congressional District, was running second behind fellow Republican incumbent Rep. Ken Calvert at the time America’s Credit Unions issued its update. The organization said Kim was expected to advance to the general election, although the race remained too close to call.
- America’s Credit Unions PAC conducted digital advertising and direct-mail campaigns on behalf of Kim.
Open-Seat Contests
America’s Credit Unions also reported that several PAC-supported candidates seeking open congressional seats secured spots on the November ballot.
According to the organization:
- California state Sen. Mike McGuire advanced in California’s 1st Congressional District race.
- California Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin advanced in the race for California’s 26th Congressional District.
- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican nomination for South Dakota’s lone congressional seat.
- Former U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme secured the Republican nomination in Montana’s U.S. Senate race to succeed retiring Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.
Looking Ahead
America’s Credit Unions said it is now focusing on Utah’s June 23 Democratic primary in the newly created 1st Congressional District.
The PAC is supporting former Congressman Ben McAdams, whom the organization described as a supporter of credit unions.
