List

Which candidates are wirehouses, IBDs and other firms backing in the midterms?

Red? Blue? Or straight down the middle?

As the midterm election season reaches its final tense stages, wealth management firms, industry organizations and companies from supporting sectors have already made nearly $20 million in campaign contributions through political action committees.

A few have spent the maximum allowed for several dozen candidates or officeholders. Others have stayed out of PAC contributions entirely, avoiding politics or employing other means of donations.

Some firms support one party over another, while others are careful to give almost equally to Democrats and Republicans. Their outlays carry the potential to have long-lasting consequences for the firms, as well as the country.

“It’s very common for PAC contributions to facilitate lobbying,” says Brendan Fischer of the ethics and campaign finance watchdog group the Campaign Legal Center. “That’s a way of ensuring that a phone call is returned or a request for a meeting is honored. Often times lobbying and PAC contributions go hand in hand.”

To see which firms have contributed, and to which party, Financial Planning reviewed PAC contributions tracked by the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan research organization. The findings reveal which candidates and donors have been the most active in the fundraising marathon presently turning into the final sprint to Election Day on Nov. 6.

Some of the most-interesting findings:

Republicans received $11.7 million, or about 61% of the PAC donations, as the ruling party, but Democratic incumbents and challengers still took in $7.5 million.

UBS Americas, the largest-giving individual company PAC in the group, has already maxed out with nearly 50 candidates.

LPL Financial has spent the maximum allowed amount on PAC donations for eight candidates to the House of Representatives. The firm cites geographic location and a track record in business or legislation as among their factors in supporting various candidates.

FPA, the smallest donor included in the sampling of 50, has not given the combined primary and general election maximum of $10,000 to any candidate.

Follow the money
Company PACs get their campaign funds from individual contributions by employees and shareholders but not from the corporate treasury, according to Fischer.

The PACs, which also include member-financed trade and interest groups, may then donate up to $5,000 per election to federal candidates, he notes. The method represents only a subset of available methods for companies and individuals to make campaign-related donations, some more transparent than others.

Firms usually give PAC donations to lawmakers they see as “champions of their issues” or acting as a swing vote on a bill or appointment, along with contributions for members of relevant committees, Fischer says. Some firms cite geographic location and a track record in business or legislation as among their factors in supporting various candidates.

Advocacy groups support lawmakers who share their mission. Independent broker-dealer advocacy organization FSI and BD and insurance company-backed groups IRI and NAIFA fall into this category.

Other firms donate right down the middle. Charles Schwab enforces an equal split between Democrats and Republicans in campaign contributions it makes through its PAC, the company says. ETF champion Vanguard makes PAC donations to candidates in part “to take a stand for all investors,” according to the firm.

Out of 42 companies, Schwab, Fidelity, Vanguard, LPL, Northwestern Mutual, Lincoln Financial Group, TIAA, Citi and BNY Mellon provided statements about their approach to PAC donations, with the others declining to comment or not responding to inquiries. Goldman Sachs referred to its three-page company policy on political activities.

FSI, IRI, NAIFA and the American Council of Life Insurers also gave statements on their reasoning and criteria for PAC contributions out of a group including four other trade and advocacy groups.

The data is effective Sept. 24 and came from records compiled on the Open Secrets website run by the Center for Responsive Politics. The sampling covered advisors, BDs and custodians, along with some asset managers, product manufacturers, insurance firms and banks.

A few firms have more than one PAC, so only the larger of their PACs was included in the sampling, and the percentages to each party come from rounded figures and may not add up to 100% in some cases.

To see where wealth management and its supporting sectors have placed their donations for the midterms, scroll through our slideshow.

50. FPA

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $47,500
Contributions to Democrats: $21,500 (45%)
Contributions to Republicans: $26,000 (55%)
Top House recipients: $2,000 each to 7 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $5,000 to Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

49. Northern Trust

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $51,000
Contributions to Democrats: $21,500 (42%)
Contributions to Republicans: $29,500 (58%)
Top House recipient: $3,500 to Peter Roskam (R-IL)
Top Senate recipient: $3,000 to Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

48. RBC Bank

rbc
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $58,005
Contributions to Democrats: $33,505 (58%)
Contributions to Republicans: $24,500 (42%)
Top House recipients: $5,000 each to Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Brad Sherman (D-CA)
Top Senate recipients: $5,000 each to 7 candidates
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

47. FS Investments

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $75,300
Contributions to Democrats: $33,300 (44%)
Contributions to Republicans: $42,000 (56%)
Top House recipients: $5,000 each to Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA)
Top Senate recipient: $5,000 to Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

46. Allianz of America

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $78,650
Contributions to Democrats: $27,950 (36%)
Contributions to Republicans: $50,700 (64%)
Top House recipient: $4,000 to Erik Paulsen (R-MN)
Top Senate recipients: $2,000 each to Mike Crapo (R-ID) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

45. AXA Equitable Life Insurance (tie)

axa-sa.jpg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $80,500
Contributions to Democrats: $17,000 (21%)
Contributions to Republicans: $63,500 (79%)
Top House recipient: $7,000 to Steve Stivers (R-OH)
Top Senate recipient: $5,000 to Luke Messer (R-IN)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

45. Fifth Third (tie)

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $80,500
Contributions to Democrats: $7,000 (9%)
Contributions to Republicans: $73,500 (91%)
Top House recipient: $5,000 to Steve Stivers (R-OH)
Top Senate recipient: $3,000 to Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

43. Edward Jones

edward-jones-istock.jpg
iStock
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $88,700
Contributions to Democrats: $27,500 (31%)
Contributions to Republicans: $61,200 (69%)
Top House recipient: $6,000 to Ann L. Wagner (R-MO)
Top Senate recipient: $8,500 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

42. Lincoln National Corp.

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $90,000
Contributions to Democrats: $46,000 (51%)
Contributions to Republicans: $44,000 (49%)
Top House recipients: $5,000 each to Ann Kuster (D-NH), Terri Sewell (D-AL) and Jackie Walorski (R-IN)
Top Senate recipient: $6,000 to Bob Casey (D-PA)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"Lincoln’s PAC supports candidates and policies that align with the company’s goal of helping Americans plan for and reach a secure financial future," spokesman Scott Sloat said in an emailed statement, adding the company's latest public policy agenda for further reference.

41. John Hancock Life Insurance

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $103,200
Contributions to Democrats: $54,500 (53%)
Contributions to Republicans: $47,700 (46%)
Top House recipient: $10,000 to Richard E. Neal (D-MA)
Top Senate recipient: $3,000 to Ben Cardin (D-MD)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

40. First Command Financial Planning

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $105,700
Contributions to Democrats: $3,500 (3%)
Contributions to Republicans: $102,200 (97%)
Top House recipient: $7,500 to Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Tom Cotton (R-AR)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

39. OppenheimerFunds

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $120,500
Contributions to Democrats: $50,500 (42%)
Contributions to Republicans: $70,000 (58%)
Top House recipients: $5,000 each to Dennis Heck (D-WA), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Ron Kind (D-WI) and Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
Top Senate recipients: $5,000 each to John A. Barrasso (R-WY) and Thom Tillis (R-NC)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

38. Financial Services Roundtable (now part of Bank Policy Institute)

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $150,000
Contributions to Democrats: $33,500 (22%)
Contributions to Republicans: $115,500 (77%)
Top House recipient: $6,000 to Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO)
Top Senate recipient: $5,000 to Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

37. FSI

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $165,500
Contributions to Democrats: $63,000 (38%)
Contributions to Republicans: $102,500 (62%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Joyce Beatty (D-OH), Kevin Brady (R-TX), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) and Ann L. Wagner (R-MO)
Top Senate recipient: $2,500 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
“The mission of FSI PAC is to build strong relationships with lawmakers and to ensure that all individuals have access to competent and affordable advice, products and services delivered by a growing network of independent financial advisors and independent financial services firms," CEO Dale Brown said in a statement. "FSI PAC supports candidates who support this mission, who understand and influence issues important to FSI members and who share our vision of investment advice for all."

36. Voya Financial

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $168,000
Contributions to Democrats: $78,500 (47%)
Contributions to Republicans: $88,000 (52%)
Top House recipient: $5,000 to Joseph Crowley (D-NY)
Top Senate recipients: $4,000 each to Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

35. BlackRock Funds Services Group

NYSE BlackRock Tickr Image for March 2017
BlackRock has long been a leader in ESG (environmental, social and governance) investing.
Michael Nagle/Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $172,000
Contributions to Democrats: $100,500 (58%)
Contributions to Republicans: $71,500 (42%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

34. State Street Bank and Trust

State Street has committed to digitally upgrading its internal systems in a massive effort known as Beacon.
State Street Corporation headquarters stand in Boston on Tuesday August 7, 2012. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $204,500
Contributions to Democrats: $92,000 (45%)
Contributions to Republicans: $111,500 (55%)
Top House recipient: $8,000 to Richard E. Neal (D-MA)
Top Senate recipient: $5,500 to Jon Tester (D-MT)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

33. IRI

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $213,500
Contributions to Democrats: $95,500 (45%)
Contributions to Republicans: $118,000 (55%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Joseph Crowley (D-NY), Virginia Foxx (R-NC), John B. Larson (D-CT), Richard E. Neal (D-MA) and Tim Walberg (R-MI)
Top Senate recipients: $5,000 each to Ben Cardin (D-MD), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Claire McCaskill (D-MO) and Tim Scott (R-SC)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
The organization's PAC "is a valuable tool that IRI utilizes to support our efforts to advance key legislative objectives in Washington," spokesman Dan Zielinski said in an emailed statement provided alongside its federal advocacy agenda.

"Collectively, through the IRI PAC, IRI and our members can speak with a louder and stronger voice for the retirement income industry," he continued. "The IRI PAC uses member contributions to help elect individuals to federal office who understand and support our industry and IRI’s advocacy interests and goals."

32. BBVA Compass

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $230,500
Contributions to Democrats: $58,000 (25%)
Contributions to Republicans: $172,500 (75%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Kevin Brady (R-TX), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Pete Sessions (R-TX), Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) and Scott Tipton (R-CO)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Dean Heller (R-NV)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

31. Jackson National Life Insurance

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $232,739
Contributions to Democrats: $58,000 (25%)
Contributions to Republicans: $174,739 (75%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Mike Bishop (R-MI), Bill Huizenga (R-MI) and Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Top Senate recipient: $7,500 to Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

30. Ameriprise Financial

Ameriprise financial bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $234,000
Contributions to Democrats: $115,000 (49%)
Contributions to Republicans: $119,000 (51%)
Top House recipients: $6,500 each to David Scott (D-GA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE)
Top Senate recipient: $6,000 to Orrin G. Hatch (R-UT)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

29. Vanguard Group

vanguard-real-estate-logo
Suitable for use in public relations materials
Lisa J Godfrey
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $280,500
Contributions to Democrats: $112,000 (40%)
Contributions to Republicans: $168,500 (60%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Ryan Costello (R-PA), Ron Kind (D-WI), Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Steve Stivers (R-OH)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"Vanguard’s public policy goals are closely aligned to our core mission: to take a stand for all investors, to treat them fairly, and to give them the best chance for investment success," spokeswoman Carolyn Wegemann said in an emailed statement.

"Vanguard’s PAC, the Vanguard Committee for Responsible Government (VCRG), is funded solely through voluntary contributions from Vanguard officers," she continued. "No shareholder assets are used for political contributions. Contributions from the VCRG are made on a bipartisan basis to support the election of candidates who promote policies that will uphold the best interests of our shareholders."

28. SunTrust Banks

suntrust-bl.jpg
A SunTrust Bank branch stands in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Monday, Oct. 18, 2010. SunTrust Banks Inc. was downgraded to "Market Perform" from "Outperform" at Morgan Keegan by equity analyst Robert Patten last week. Photographer: Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $281,000
Contributions to Democrats: $48,500 (17%)
Contributions to Republicans: $232,500 (83%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Ted Budd (R-NC), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and David Scott (D-GA)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

27. Bank of New York Mellon

BNY Mellon
Signage is displayed at the Bank Of New York Mellon Corp. building in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2018. Bank Of New York Mellon Corp. is scheduled to release earnings figures on January 18. Photographer: Daniel Tepper/Bloomberg
Daniel Tepper/Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $283,200
Contributions to Democrats: $119,700 (42%)
Contributions to Republicans: $163,500 (58%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Keith J. Rothfus (R-PA) and Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY)
Top Senate recipient: $9,000 to Joe Donnelly (D-IN)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
“BNY Mellon has two PACs funded entirely by voluntary contributions from our employees," spokeswoman Madelyn McHugh said in an emailed statement.

"Employees are not reimbursed or compensated in any way for political activities or contributions," she continued. "BNY Mellon does not use corporate funds for independent political expenditures in support of, or opposition to, any candidate for office."

26. U.S. Bank

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $299,700
Contributions to Democrats: $93,200 (31%)
Contributions to Republicans: $206,500 (69%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Andy Barr (R-KY), Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO), Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Ann L. Wagner, Ann (R-MO)
Top Senate recipients: $5,000 each to Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Dean Heller (R-NV), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) and Tina Smith (D-MN)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

25. Credit Suisse Securities

Credit Suisse by Bloomberg
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $307,000
Contributions to Democrats: $161,500 (53%)
Contributions to Republicans: $145,500 (47%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Frank D. Lucas (R-OK), Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY), David Scott (D-GA), Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Ann L. Wagner (R-MO)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

24. PNC Bank National Association

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $314,500
Contributions to Democrats: $49,000 (16%)
Contributions to Republicans: $265,500 (84%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Andy Barr (R-KY), Tom Graves (R-GA), Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-MO) and Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Top Senate recipient: $7,500 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

23. Capital Group Companies (parent of American Funds)

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $336,000
Contributions to Democrats: $109,000 (32%)
Contributions to Republicans: $227,000 (68%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 13 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $10,000 each to 6 candidates
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

22. Transamerica

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $339,500
Contributions to Democrats: $165,500 (49%)
Contributions to Republicans: $172,000 (51%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 6 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $6,000 each to Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

21. Principal Life Insurance

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $361,000
Contributions to Democrats: $171,000 (47%)
Contributions to Republicans: $190,000 (53%)
Top House recipients: $9,000 each to David Loebsack (D-IA) and David Young (R-IA)
Top Senate recipient: $9,000 to Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
Response to inquiry on political donations: Declined to comment

20. Charles Schwab

Signage is displayed outside a Charles Schwab Corp. location in San Antonio, Texas, U.S., on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Charles Schwab Corp. is scheduled to release earnings figures on July 17. Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare/Bloomberg
Signage is displayed outside a Charles Schwab Corp. location in San Antonio, Texas, U.S., on Sunday, July 15, 2018. Charles Schwab Corp. is scheduled to release earnings figures on July 17. Photographer: Callaghan O'Hare/Bloomberg
Callaghan O'Hare/Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $364,500
Contributions to Democrats: $181,000 (50%)
Contributions to Republicans: $183,500 (50%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Bill Foster (D-IL) and Patrick McHenry (R-NC)
Top Senate recipient: $6,500 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
Schwab's PAC is entirely funded through voluntary donations, company spokesman Glen Mathison noted in an email.

The PAC is "committed to dividing its contributions equally between Republicans and Democrats who have demonstrated a willingness to work constructively on issues that matter most to our clients and our ability to serve them," Mathison says.

He adds that the PAC supports candidates committed to "improving opportunities for investors and further expanding the benefits of investing," have proven track records in government or business or representing states or districts where Schwab has a major presence.

19. Pacific Life Insurance

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $383,500
Contributions to Democrats: $141,500 (37%)
Contributions to Republicans: $241,000 (63%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to George Holding (R-NC), Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Mimi Walters (R-CA)
Top Senate recipient: $7,500 to Tim Scott (R-SC)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

18. Nationwide

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $408,500
Contributions to Democrats: $174,000 (43%)
Contributions to Republicans: $233,500 (57%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 7 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Martha McSally (R-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

17. Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo V3 by Bloomberg News
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $414,500
Contributions to Democrats: $183,000 (44%)
Contributions to Republicans: $231,500 (56%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Steve Scalise (R-LA)
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Tom Carper (D-DE)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

16. LPL Financial

lpl
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $439,667
Contributions to Democrats: $110,500 (25%)
Contributions to Republicans: $329,167 (75%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 8 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $6,000 to Tom Carper (D-DE)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
LPL's government relations team works with lawmakers and regulators on the state and federal levels to serve as a source of information on the industry, help them understand the value of objective financial advice, and discuss how LPL's services help advisors provide such advice, according to the company.

Committee assignments, geographic location and background with the financial services industry are three out of a number of factors deciding which candidates receive PAC donations. Protecting the IBD model, boosting retirement savings and protections for senior investors and engaging with policymakers on a best-interest standard of care are among the PAC's key issues this year.

Since LPL and other firms can't donate to federal candidates directly, the PAC allows employees and advisors who make voluntary contributions to make their voices heard in Washington, the company says.

"We believe it’s important to be involved in the political process, specifically on issues that impact our advisors, their clients, and the financial services industry,” spokesman Jeff Mochal said in a statement.

15. Prudential Financial

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $490,500
Contributions to Democrats: $294,500 (60%)
Contributions to Republicans: $196,000 (40%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 10 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $7,000 to Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

14. Northwestern Mutual

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $490,900
Contributions to Democrats: $186,400 (38%)
Contributions to Republicans: $303,500 (62%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 14 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Pat Toomey (R-PA)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"The Northwestern Mutual Political Action Committees, funded by voluntary donations from our employees and leaders of our field, are nonpartisan organizations that support candidates regardless of party affiliation who understand the importance of financial security and how our company serves its clients," spokeswoman Betsy Hoylman said in an emailed statement.

13. SIFMA

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $507,500
Contributions to Democrats: $161,500 (32%)
Contributions to Republicans: $346,000 (68%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 7 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Mike Crapo (R-ID)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

12. FMR Corp. (Fidelity)

fidelity
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $512,500
Contributions to Democrats: $252,500 (49%)
Contributions to Republicans: $255,000 (50%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 7 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $9,000 each to Ben Cardin (D-MD), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Dean Heller (R-NV)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
“Through Fidelity’s PACs, our employees can collectively support candidates whose views on policy initiatives help ensure we can continue to provide retirement savers, clients, and all customers with the products and services they value,” spokeswoman Meg Reilly said in a statement.

“Fidelity’s PACs make contributions to candidates from both parties who focus on issues that build upon the strength of the retirement system, promote benefits policy innovation, ensure strong markets, and protect consumers.”

11. Bank of America

Bank of America by Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $618,000
Contributions to Democrats: $217,500 (35%)
Contributions to Republicans: $400,000 (65%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 12 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $7,500 to Dean Heller (R-NV)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

10. JPMorgan Chase

jpmorgan
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $652,500
Contributions to Democrats: $241,500 (37%)
Contributions to Republicans: $411,000 (63%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 7 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

9. Morgan Stanley (tie)

People sit across from Morgan Stanley headquarters in New York, U.S., on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Morgan Stanley is scheduled to release earnings figures on July 18. Photographer: Bess Adler/Bloomberg
People sit across from Morgan Stanley headquarters in New York, U.S., on Thursday, July 12, 2018. Morgan Stanley is scheduled to release earnings figures on July 18. Photographer: Bess Adler/Bloomberg
Bess Adler/Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $731,500
Contributions to Democrats: $286,000 (39%)
Contributions to Republicans: $445,500 (61%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 10 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $9,000 to Tim Kaine (D-VA)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

9. American Council of Life Insurers (tie)

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $731,500
Contributions to Democrats: $291,500 (40%)
Contributions to Republicans: $434,000 (59%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 22 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"ACLI PAC contributes to congressional candidates that support the life insurance industry’s efforts to help Americans achieve financial and retirement security," Alane Dent, a senior vice president for federal relations, said in a statement. "These issues are important to all consumers, regardless of political affiliation. For this reason, ACLI PAC contributes to Republicans and Democrats consistent with each party’s representation ratio in Congress.”

7. MassMutual

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $751,000
Contributions to Democrats: $271,500 (36%)
Contributions to Republicans: $479,500 (64%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 16 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $5,000 each to 6 candidates
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

6. TIAA

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $806,500
Contributions to Democrats: $391,000 (48%)
Contributions to Republicans: $415,500 (52%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 19 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $7,500 to Cory Gardner (R-CO)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"TIAA’S PAC helps us fulfill our obligations to our participants and is aligned with our core mission: to help create financial well-being for those we serve," spokesman Chad Peterson said in an emailed statement. "Our contributions are bipartisan, with a focus on an individual’s positions on retirement savings issues, support for the financial services and life insurance industries, and the higher education and research community."

5. Citigroup

p18t594liii8l1lgd1iicferpb39.jpg
A pedestrian walks past a Citibank branch in the ground floor of Citigroup Inc. headquarters in New York, U.S., on Tuesday, March 8, 2011. Citigroup, the third-largest U.S. lender by assets, now earns more than half of its profit from emerging markets, Chief Executive Officer Vikram Pandit said last month. Photographer: Jin Lee/Bloomberg
Jin Lee/Bloomberg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $822,996
Contributions to Democrats: $275,000 (33%)
Contributions to Republicans: $546,996 (66%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 13 candidates
Top Senate recipient: $10,000 to Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"We support a range of candidates and organizations who share our commitment to a strong financial services sector that enables widespread economic growth,” spokesman Rob Runyan said in an emailed statement.

4. Goldman Sachs

goldman357.jpg
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $911,000
Contributions to Democrats: $380,500 (42%)
Contributions to Republicans: $529,500 (58%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 14 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $10,000 each to Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
"We believe these advocacy efforts are in our shareholders’ best interests, as well as the interests of the broader marketplace," according to a three-page statement on policy engagement and political participation provided by the firm.

"We seek to be a constructive voice in the global financial regulatory reform process and work with regulators and other relevant parties to strengthen the financial system and reduce systemic risk, and to support dynamic, healthy capital markets, entrepreneurship and innovation."

3. UBS Americas

ubs
Bloomberg News
Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $1,064,500
Contributions to Democrats: $461,000 (43%)
Contributions to Republicans: $598,500 (56%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 41 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $10,000 each to 8 candidates
Response to inquiry on political donations:
The company's PAC gives its employees an opportunity to participate in the political process and support Members of Congress from both parties who advocate for common-sense regulation, according to a person familiar with the matter.

2. Investment Company Institute

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $1,115,000
Contributions to Democrats: $401,000 (36%)
Contributions to Republicans: $714,000 (64%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 41 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $10,000 each to Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Todd Rokita (R-IN)
Response to inquiry on political donations: None

1. National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors

Total PAC contributions to federal candidates: $1,531,500
Contributions to Democrats: $589,500 (38%)
Contributions to Republicans: $934,500 (61%)
Top House recipients: $10,000 each to 33 candidates
Top Senate recipients: $10,000 each to Ted Cruz (R-TX), Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Response to inquiry on political donations:
The goal of NAIFA's PAC is to advance the legislative interests of its members and their clients, CEO Kevin Mayeux said in a statement.

The PAC supports Congressional candidates "who understand issues important to insurance agents and financial advisors," Mayeux says.

"Many NAIFA members are motivated to donate because they are acutely aware that decisions made by Congress — from changes to the tax code to legislation that helps them protect their clients from fraud — have major impacts on their businesses and clients," he continued. "They are politically engaged individuals and are eager to fully participate in our democratic system."
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