McConnell Dark Money Pac Raised And Spent Over $172 Million In 2020

By Matt Corley and Robert Maguire, CREW

One Nation, the dark money group run by close allies of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), raised more than $172 million in 2020, according to a new tax return obtained by CREW. The massive sum, which exceeds what the nonprofit raised in any prior year by more than $100 million, was bolstered by several eight-figure contributions from anonymous donors, including one who gave $33 million and one who gave $13.5 million.

One Nation has been described as one of “the primary source[s] of outside air cover for Senate Republicans” and the group increased its spending significantly during an election year that saw control of the Senate up for grabs. The nonprofit group, which is allowed to spend money to influence elections but cannot have politics as its primary activity, spent more than $195 million overall in 2020, including $77.4 million it described as being dedicated to politics.

All of One Nation’s admitted political activity consisted of contributions to the Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC that like One Nation is helmed by former McConnell chief of staff Steven Law. The super PAC raised and spent more than $475 million during the 2020 election cycle.