Shining a Light on Dark Money: What Voters Should Know Before the May 3rd Election
As we approach a new month, our next focus should be on the upcoming May 3rd municipal elections, where citizens will be casting their votes, to replace the termed out mayor and to choose representatives for city wide Council seats. Once elected, to represent their individual districts, members will now serve two- four year terms, approved by voters in the 2023 elections. The reasoning for that change appears to have been centered on creating longer terms, so that council members could focus on their work and not have to resume campaigning, after two years.
How Does This Impact Elections?
Elections can be costly: filing fees, expenditures for block walking, phone banking, advertising – signage, broadcast and print media buys – the list is expansive. As a result, candidates need financial support, via donations and support for their respective races.
Citizens can choose, to donate to individual candidates, as can organizations and political action committees.
What Is Dark Money?
Dark Money refers to “spending meant to influence political outcomes“, where the source of the money is not disclosed. Here’s how that money can make it’s way into elections:
Politically active non-profits, such as 501(c) 4s, are generally under no legal obligation to disclosed their donors, even if they spend to influence elections. When they choose to not disclose their sources of funding, they are considered as a Dark Money group.
Opaque non-profits and shell companies may give unlimited amounts of money to Super PACS. While Super PACS are legally required to disclose their donors, some groups are effectively Dark Money outlets, when the bulk of their funding cannot be traced back to the original donor. Dark Money groups have spent roughly $1 billion dollars, mainly on television ads, mailers and on online ads, in the years since the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC ruling that gave rise to politically active non – profits. Some have joined that the ruling that “allowed corporations to be considered as citizens.”
Subsequently, citizens being barraged with political messages, paid for with money, from undisclosed sources, may not be able to consider the credibility and possible motives of “the wealthy corporate or individual funders, behind the messages.”
The image of dark money has now come into play, here in San Antonio, particularly in the District 1 race (and possibly District 2).
First Time Candidate Releases Strong Statement
First time candidate Julisa Medrano-Guerra seeking office in this district, issued a strong statement, in part, condemning “the involvement of the Better SA PAC, in supporting her opponent, incumbent Councilwoman Sukh Kaur.”
Medrano-Guerra highlighted the PAC’s history:
“using shadowy tactics to undermine progressive leaders, including District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, and reaffirmed her commitment to “running a transparent, community driven campaign, free from dark money influence.” She further stated “the Better SA PAC represents everything that is wrong with politics today,” and that “they operate in the shadows using out of state money and deceptive tactics, to attack progressive leaders who stand up for working families. I refuse to seek the endorsement of dark money groups or out of state interests. My campaign is powered by the people of District 1 and I will always put their needs first.”
Medrano-Guerra also pointed out the PAC’s recent efforts to unseat Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez, a vocal advocate for police accountability and equitable development back in 2023. Don’t fall for dark money messaging—trust candidates you’ve researched and vetted yourself.
As the new political cycle begins, are voters paying close attention to the harmful effects of dark money, or are certain campaigns intentionally withholding transparency about their supporters and reliance on outside funding in local races?
As we wind down, over the next two months, our coverage will continue being informative and encouraging, as your VOTE MATTERS!
