Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair initiates measures to limit corporate and covert funding in the 2028 presidential primary elections

Democratic National Committee (DNC) chair initiates measures to limit corporate and covert funding in the 2028 presidential primary elections

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) is set to vote on a resolution during their summer meeting in Minneapolis, taking place from August 25-27, 2025. This resolution, proposed by DNC Chair Ken Martin, aims to explore ways to eliminate unlimited corporate and dark money donations in the 2028 presidential primary cycle.

The resolution directs the DNC Committee on Reforms to identify real, enforceable steps that the Democratic National Committee can take to eliminate unlimited corporate and dark money in the 2028 presidential primary process. It also tasks this committee with developing a detailed set of legislative proposals for the DNC to present to Democratic Congressional leadership, with the goal of pushing for federal-level reforms that would curb dark money influence in elections.

Progressive groups like Our Revolution have endorsed the resolution, emphasising the need to reduce outside spending by industries like cryptocurrency and influential lobbying groups such as AIPAC in Democratic primaries. The resolution acknowledges past legislative efforts, such as the DISCLOSE Act, which was passed by House Democrats in 2021 to increase transparency of dark money sources, but stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition.

However, the resolution does not explicitly mention super PACs, and it's unclear whether it will ultimately restrict super PAC spending in party primaries. Democratic candidates cannot coordinate with super PACs, but big money groups have become key parts of presidential campaigns. Critics within the Democratic Party argue that limiting super PAC spending could put Democrats at a disadvantage with Republicans, who have historically relied on super PACs for funding.

Former DNC Chair Jaime Harrison called the June letter from Sen. Bernie Sanders and seven Senate Democrats, asking for a process to develop ways to enforce a ban on super PAC spending in primaries, "performative." Harrison urged Democratic lawmakers to pass legislation in Congress instead.

If passed, the resolution would task a new panel to explore actions to eliminate unlimited corporate and dark money in the 2028 presidential primary process. The committee's proposals would be presented to the full DNC next summer. The proposed resolution does not address the issue of super PAC spending explicitly, but it does acknowledge the negative impact of unrestricted corporate spending and dark money groups in recent primaries.

The calls for a super PAC ban have grown in response to increased spending from cryptocurrency groups and pro-Israel lobbying group AIPAC in Democratic primaries. Progressives, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, have been advocating for a ban on super PAC spending in Democratic presidential primaries for years.

The resolution represents a growing recognition within the party that addressing corporate and dark money is essential to empowering voters and strengthening party infrastructure at the grassroots level. However, the impact of the resolution on the 2028 presidential primaries remains to be seen, as it does not address the issue of super PAC spending explicitly and faces opposition from some within the party.

References: [1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3

1. The proposed resolution by DNC Chair Ken Martin, aimed at exploring ways to eliminate unlimited corporate and dark money donations in the 2028 presidential primary cycle, also tasks a committee with developing legislative proposals to curb dark money influence in elections.
2. The resolution, endorsed by progressive groups like Our Revolution, acknowledges the negative impact of unrestricted corporate spending and dark money groups in recent primaries, but does not explicitly address the issue of super PAC spending.

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