DCUC Political Action Committee Formed, Will Launch in January
The new PAC plans on an initial spend of $500,000 for mid-term elections happening in 2026.
The Defense Credit Union Council has formed a political action committee with plans to spend at least $500,000 in the 2026 mid-term elections.
The DCUC said Friday it has established the Defending Credit Unions Political Action Committee (DCU PAC), and the National Advocacy Fund (DCU NAF).
Jason Stverak, the DCUC’s chief advocacy officer, told CU Times Friday that the groups will be ready to start operating when Congress convenes in January.
Stverak, who will lead the political action committee, said it will provide support to credit union allies on key committees, but it will target its donations. For example, it will be trying to identify “new credit union champions” pursuing open seats in Congress, Stverak said.
The National Advocacy Fund can ‘t support candidates, but can provide research, issue advertising and other support to member credit unions, especially as issues move to the states.
“The DCU PAC and National Advocacy Fund aim to bolster our grassroots efforts on key advocacy initiatives and priorities while maintaining a strong influence in policymaking to secure a prosperous future for defense credit unions and the industry,” Stverak said. “We are already looking forward to mobilizing both committees and begin promoting and safeguarding policies and regulations that ensure credit unions can continue best serving the financial needs of our Nation’s military, veterans, and their families.”
The DCUC website describes the Defending Credit Unions National Advocacy Fund as a targeted funding mechanism. Its Steering Committee can disburse funds for public policy-related activities including research, media campaigns, meetings, grassroots advocacy, contracting outside experts, education, and retaining legal counsel.
The America’s Credit Unions trade group has spent $3.3 million so far in the 2024 election cycle for U.S. House and Senate candidates. In 2022 its predecessors, CUNA and NAFCU, gave $4.4 million, according to OpenSecrets.org.
DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez said forming the two groups is part of its overall strategic plan to increase its success in championing members’ issues.
“The DCU PAC and National Advocacy Fund will not only strengthen our representation of the defense credit union movement but also enhance DCUC’s advocacy success while furthering credit unions’ interests on a broader political stage,” Hernandez said.