A political action committee backed by out-of-state gambling interests has been flooding parts of the state with campaign mailers and TV ads without filing regular financial reports with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office.
The Virginia-based American Conservative Fund registered with the State of Alabama in January 2025 after receiving a $500,000 donation from Win For America, a PAC funded entirely by a $2 million donation from DK Crown Holdings, Inc., the corporate entity for DraftKings.
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According to filings with the Federal Elections Commission (FEC), ACF spent $472,556.99 by the end of December 2025 ($204,552.50 on operating expenses), leaving about $27,443 in cash on hand.
Since then, ACF has paid for multiple campaign mailers and TV ads, but just how much is unknown.
ACF has so far spent $72,970 in election advertising with WHNT this cycle, and $2,550 with WHDF, a station sales executive told 1819 News.
That would mean the ACF is likely in violation of Alabama’s PAC filing guidelines, making it subject to civil penalties.
According to the guidelines, PACs must file monthly financial reports if they spend or receive $1,000 or more. Major Contribution Reports are due within two days of receiving a contribution of $20,000 or greater.
“If a federal PAC is giving money to state or local candidates, they should register as a PAC with the Secretary of State and file campaign finance reports under the Alabama Fair Campaign Practices Act,” the guidelines state.
1819 News attempted to contact ACF via the email and phone number listed on the PAC’s state forms, but did not receive a response. Brian Smith is listed as the PAC’s chairperson and treasurer.
ACF has spent money on campaign ads in several other states, including North Carolina, where it has filed regular, up-to-date financial reports.
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