A Note to AMPAC’s 2022 Contributors
Thank you for supporting AMPAC, the American Medical Association’s Political Action Committee. Each year we strive to achieve a strong, unified message for physicians on Capitol Hill by helping elect federal candidates who prioritize our members’ needs.
This election report demonstrates how your contributions to AMPAC further our advocacy efforts, creating positive change for physicians who practice medicine and their patients. Without your help, we know these outcomes would not be possible. Thank you again for your investment in AMPAC and your role in building a unified voice for AMA members. We hope to count on your generosity again in 2023 as we continue working hard to advance the AMA’s federal advocacy agenda.
2022 AMPAC Political Activity
In an increasingly toxic political environment, AMPAC once again made an indelible mark on behalf of medicine. The job was made more difficult by candidates on the extreme ideological fringe of both parties seemingly more intent on partisan conflicts rather than seeking solutions to serious policy challenges. But AMPAC navigated this landscape well with help from the AMA’s government affairs team as well as input from state medical society PACs to guide the Board towards those candidates who will work to advance medicine’s agenda. This pragmatic strategy paid off by creating access to key decision makers and giving the AMA the ability to shape and ultimately affect the outcome of legislation in critical areas including telehealth, Medicare physician payment and prior authorization.
The final outcome of the 2022 Midterm Elections made clear that neither party could claim an ideological mandate and that the American people will expect bipartisan cooperation from their leaders in Washington, DC to solve the challenges that face our country. This should be a good legislative environment for medicine and one where solutions-oriented candidates backed by AMPAC thrive.
AMPAC’s direct contributions to 247 physician-friendly House and Senate candidates, 225 of whom won, from both political parties (62% to Democratic lawmakers and 38% to Republican lawmakers) will continue to ensure that medicine has a place at the table when important health care policy debates take place. Additionally, the number of physicians in Congress grew from 17 to 19 after victories from emergency physician Rich McCormick, MD (R, GA-6) and pediatrician Yadira Caraveo (D, CO-8) were declared.
2022 U.S. House of Representatives Summary
Republicans narrowly regained control of the House of Representatives after reaching the magic number of 218 seats. GOP hopes of a red wave that could flip 30+ seats did not materialize, but the slim majority was too difficult to hold for House Democrats. With nearly every race officially decided, Republicans are certain to take control and will likely have a 221-214 majority, almost a mirror image of the majority held by Democrats for the last two years. This was the first election held under the new maps drawn by states following the 2020 census, and once per decade reapportionment and redistricting process.
Republicans were particularly strong in Florida and New York, where they flipped multiple seats that helped cement their new majority. Democratic candidates exceeded expectations in several midwestern states however, flipping seats in Ohio, Michigan, and Illinois to help mitigate losses elsewhere.
2022 U.S. Senate Summary
The Senate remains in Democratic hands after an incumbent friendly election cycle. Every incumbent Senator up for reelection won another term, and only a single Senate seat changed parties. Democrats now control 51 seats and Republicans control 49. Georgia’s senate race was forced to a runoff after incumbent Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and Republican challenger Hershel Walker both failed to reach 50% of the total vote cast. That election was held December 6th however and Warnock emerged victorious with 51% of the vote to Walker’s 49%.
The only seat changing parties on election night was Pennsylvania, where Republican Senator Pat Toomey retired after serving two terms, creating an open seat. Democratic Lt. Governor John Fetterman defeated Republican candidate and celebrity physician Mehmet Oz 51%-46% in a hotly contested race that attracted significant spending from both national parties. Other notable close races were Democratic incumbents Catherine Cortez-Masto and Mark Kelly winning reelection in Nevada and Arizona, respectively. On the Republican side, Republican Senator Ron Johnson narrowly defeated Democratic challenger and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes. Johnson had been considered the most vulnerable Republican incumbent this cycle.
AMPAC Fundraising and Participation
2022 proved a better year for AMPAC’s fundraising efforts. AMPAC raised a combined $1.65 million dollars in hard and corporate receipts during the 2022 election cycle, with hard dollars accounting for 92% of overall receipts. Hard dollar receipts are used directly for candidate contributions or independent expenditures. AMPAC is finally closing the chapter on fundraising challenges associated with the pandemic, as this year’s participation numbers demonstrated a positive trend. The Capitol Club, AMPAC’s major donor program, continues to be central in overall fundraising power with totals increasing in 2022 over 2021. Capitol Club ended 2022 with 737 members, which is significantly higher than most recent years signaling an uptick in fundraising engagement. Capitol Club members participate at one of the following levels: Capitol Club Platinum ($2,500 annually), Gold ($1,000 annually) or Silver ($500 annually). Additionally, AMPAC introduced a new level of giving for the 2022 Election Year, AMPAC’s Election Investor level where 246 members contributed $222. This provided renewed interest in AMPAC’s election plan and garnered a successful turnout to bring in additional revenue.
With the 2024 election cycle ahead of us increased participation will be required to ensure AMPAC continues in its mission and remains on track post-pandemic. Your investment is more important than ever. Please consider renewing your commitment to AMPAC early so we can continue supporting and electing physician-friendly candidates to Congress. To join or find out more, please visit our website at www.ampaconline.org or contact AMPAC’s Washington office at (202) 789-7400.
AMPAC Political Education Programs
2022 was another landmark election in terms of physician candidates with over 50 physicians running for federal office at one point during the cycle. In spring 2023, AMPAC will once again host the Candidate Workshop to help AMA members become more effective advocates for medicine. After two years of hosting programs virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Candidate Workshop will be held in-person at the AMA offices in Washington, DC. The dates for the 2023 Campaign School have not been announced but it will likely take place in person late summer or early fall. All AMPAC Political Education Programs are targeted to AMA members, their spouses, and state medical society staff. For in-person meetings, faculty, materials, and all meals during the programs are covered by AMPAC. Participants are responsible for the registration fee, hotel accommodations and travel to and from Washington, DC. For more information, please visit http://www.ampaconline.org/political-education/
Disclaimer
AMPAC is a separate segregated fund established by the AMA. Voluntary political contributions by individuals to AMPAC should be written on personal checks or provided on a personal credit card. Funds from corporations cannot be used for contributions and expenditures in Federal elections. Corporate contributions will be placed in a separate AMA account for political education and other non-election activities. Contributions are not limited to the suggested amount. Neither AMA nor its constituent state associations will favor or disadvantage anyone based upon the amounts of or failure to make PAC contributions. Voluntary political contributions are subject to limitations of the FEC regulations. Contributions to AMPAC are not deductible for federal income tax purposes.