A Super PAC (short for independent expenditure-only political action committee) is a type of political organization in the U.S. that can raise and spend money to influence elections—with fewer limits than traditional PACs.

​

The basics

• Can raise unlimited money from individuals, corporations, and unions

• Can spend unlimited amounts on things like ads, mailers, and outreach

• Cannot donate directly to candidates or campaigns

• Must operate independently of candidates (no coordination)

 

What they do

​

Super PACs typically fund:

• TV and digital ads

• Mail campaigns (like postcards)

• Voter outreach and persuasion efforts

• Issue-based messaging

​

The key rule: independence

The most important restriction is that a Super PAC cannot coordinate strategy or messaging with a candidate’s campaign. They can support or oppose candidates—but must do so on their own.

​

How they’re different from regular PACs
A traditional PAC can donate directly to candidates, but has strict contribution limits
A Super PAC can’t donate to candidates, but can raise and spend unlimited funds independently