Quarterly Update

June 2026

Note from the AMPAC Chair

John Poole 2026 is the 250^th anniversary of the founding of our great country and it’s a pivotal year for our patients and our profession. Did you know that 4 doctors signed the Declaration of Independence? It’s a powerful reminder of physicians’ long tradition of public service.

Following that tradition, AMPAC leverages our ability to petition our government on behalf of our patients and our profession. AMPAC helps to elect physician champions who will understand and advocate for Medicare payment reform, Medicaid access, prior authorization reform, scope of practice protections, protecting our public health infrastructure, just to name a few. Your contributions to AMPAC helps amplify Medicine’s voice in Congress.

This midterm election is especially important for our patients and our profession. AMPAC’s north star is to elect physician-friendly candidates, especially physicians vetted by their respective states, to Congress. Today, 20 physicians serve in Congress, and more than 85 physicians are running for federal office this cycle. AMPAC recently conducted two independent expenditure (IE) campaigns for our HOD colleagues, Dr. Tina Shah from New Jersey and Dr. Richard Pan from California. This year we have a real chance to elect physicians to Congress who will put patient care over politics. Your contributions to AMPAC will help make that a reality.

When the Founders signed the Declaration 250 years ago, they pledged their lives, fortunes, and sacred honor. On behalf of our patients and our profession let’s pledge some of our time, talent and treasure by supporting AMPAC.

John W. Poole, MD, FACS
Chair, AMPAC Board of Directors

AMPAC Boosts Champions for Medicine

AMPAC recently conducted independent expenditure (IE) campaigns in California and New Jersey to support two physician candidates running in highly competitive primary elections on June 2.

Richard Pan, MD

Richard Pan, MD is a pediatrician and former state senator running in California’s 6^th congressional district, based in the Sacramento area. California has an all-party primary meaning the top two candidates receiving the most votes, regardless of political party affiliation, will advance to the general election.

AMPAC’s ad targeted 136,000 likely primary voters on cable and digital platforms and highlighted Dr. Pan’s record of defending vaccines, reducing the price of insulin, and expanding access to healthcare for millions of Californians.

Learn more about Dr. Pan:
https://drpanforcongress.com/

Tina Shah, MD

Tina Shah, MD, an ICU physician and former advisor to the U.S. Surgeon General, ran in New Jersey’s 7^th congressional district. The district is in suburban northern New Jersey and will likely be one of the most competitive districts in the nation in the general election.

AMPAC’s ad targeted 92,000 likely primary voters on cable and digital platforms and highlighted Dr. Shah’s background, her successful leadership in efforts to reform prior authorization in New Jersey, and her plans to expand support for women’s health and cancer screenings if elected to Congress. Dr. Shah came in second in one of the most competitive Democratic primaries in the country and we commend her on running a strong campaign.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:
https://www.drtinashahforcongress.com/

Inside AMPAC

AMPAC is the AMA’s political action committee (PAC). The PAC collects voluntary contributions from AMA members in support of candidates for political office. AMPAC is led by a Board of Directors  who, along with AMPAC staff and state medical societies, determine which candidates to support during an election using the money AMPAC raises.

AMPAC is on its way to a successful 2026! So far this election cycle, AMPAC has raised $1,756,075, that’s a 30% increase compared to this time last cycle. Our Capitol Club ranks continue to swell with a total of 534 members so far in 2026.

Silver
($500)

235 donors

Gold
($1,000)

166 donors

Platinum
($2,500)

66 donors

Diamond
($5,000)

67 donors

Thank you to our 2026 contributors! Every AMA member can make an impact. Click here to learn more.

From the Exam Room to the Campaign Trail: Physicians Learn the Necessary Skills to Run for Office

Have you ever wondered how doctors get elected to public office or considered running yourself?

AMPAC’s recent annual Candidate Workshop, held April 17-19, provided answers to those questions and so much more! Eighteen participants, including physicians, residents, students, and medical staff from 13 different states, gathered at the AMA offices in Washington, DC, to learn from seasoned political veterans representing both parties about what it takes to become a successful candidate.

Throughout the dynamic program, participants engaged with a bipartisan group of political experts who addressed essential topics, including:

The value of a disciplined campaign plan and effective messaging
Secrets to successful fundraising
How to choose the right advertising for your campaign
Communicating effectively with the media
Building a strong campaign team and grassroots organization

A highlight of the workshop was a presentation by U.S. Congressman and AMPAC Candidate Workshop alumnus Herb Conaway, MD (D-NJ). He shared his path to public service, reflected on how running for office affects family and professional life, and emphasized the need for more physicians in politics. He also noted that while even strong candidates can lose, no one wins without a solid plan.

*Participants from this year's AMPAC Candidate Workshop at the AMA Offices in Washington, D.C.*

The Candidate Workshop is one of AMPAC’s two annual programs, alongside Campaign School, and is open to AMA member physicians, residents, students, spouses, and state medical society staff. Whether you plan to run for office or support a champion of medicine, these programs offer valuable skills and insights.

Dates for this fall’s Campaign School are still being finalized. Visit ampaconline.org to learn more.

Capitol Club Diamond Members

Capitol Club Diamond members are AMPAC’s premier giving level, contributing $5,000 annually.

John M. Abrahams, MD
David H. Aizuss, MD
Toluwalase A. Ajayi, MD
Shahriyour K. Andaz, MD
Hans C. Arora, MD
Todd Askew
Oran L. Berkenstock, MD
Keith M. Blechman, MD
Maryanne C. Bombaugh, MD
Michael H. Brisman, MD
Clarence W. Brown, MD
Adam J. Bruggeman, MD
Joel R. Brunt, MD
Bennie W. Chiles III, MD
S. William Clark III, MD
Joseph P. Costabile, MD
Svetlana M. Danovich, DO
Clifford L. Deal III, MD
Hargovind S. Dewal, MD
Alexander Ding, MD
Mark A. Dobbertien, DO
Lisa B. Egbert, MD
Marygrace Elson, MD

E. Scott Ferguson, MD
Sandra A. Fryhofer, MD
Melissa J. Garretson, MD
Teresa M. Girolami, MD
Stuart Gitlow, MD
Brian P. Grady, MD
Andrew W. Gurman, MD
Marilyn J. Heine, MD
Pauline P. Huynh, MD
Lynn L. Jeffers, MD
Amar H. Kelkar, MD
Kenya Kozawa, MD
Rachel L. Kyllo, MD
Mary Laplante, MD
James A. Lawrence
Mary G. Lawrence, MD
Trey Lee III, MD
Ramin Manshadi, MD
Samuel E. Mathis, MD
Barbara L. McAneny, MD
Sean E. McCance, MD
Nancy L. Mueller, MD

Bobby Mukkamala, MD
Klint Peebles, MD
Maria A. Phillis, MD
John W. Poole, MD
Vivek U. Rao, MD
Niranjan V. Rao, MD
Sheila D. Rege, MD
Kevin C. Reilly Sr., MD
Ryan J. Ribeira, MD
Theresa Rohr-Kirchgraber, MD
Hannah Seoh
Heather A. Smith, MD
Tatiana W. Spirtos, MD
Michael Suk, MD
David E. Swee, MD
Mahira Tanovic, MD
Janice Tildon-Burton, MD
Willie Underwood III, MD
Marta J. Van Beek, MD
Jordan M. Warchol, MD
John J. Whyte, MD
George R. Woodbury, MD

AMPAC Donor Testimonial
Hilary Fairbrother, MD, MPH, FACEP

Hilary Fairbrother, MD, MPH, FACEP

“Physicians write incredible policy, but policy sitting in a compendium doesn’t change lives. If our voices never leave the convention center, we miss the opportunity to create real change for our patients and our profession. I support AMPAC because it ensures our advocacy extends into the legislative and regulatory arenas—where decisions are actually made. Supporting AMPAC means making sure physicians are heard where it matters most.”

About Dr. Fairbrother
Dr. Hilary Fairbrother is an emergency physician in Houston, Texas, where she cares for a diverse patient population and serves in leadership within academic medicine. She is deeply involved in local, state, and national advocacy efforts and believes strongly that physicians must invest both their time and resources to protect patients and the profession.

When she’s not in the emergency department, classroom, or advocacy meetings, she’s spending time with her husband, their two young sons, and two small dogs. She describes medicine as “the best job in the world” and remains passionate about caring for patients while helping train the physicians of tomorrow.

Upcoming Events

Capitol Club Lunch

2026 AMPAC Capitol Club Members are invited to a special luncheon with Rick Atkinson, three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author and historian of American history.

65th Anniversary

Put on your dancing shoes for our Rock ‘N Roll Reception, highlighting 65 years of AMPAC! Join your fellow AMPAC contributors for a night of live music, drinks and heavy hors d'oeurves at the AMA Annual Meeting.

Southern Charms Sweekstakes

Discover the best of Southern charm and coastal relaxation on this unforgettable getaway. Explore Charleston with private guided experiences that highlight its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and vibrant culinary scene.

AMPAC Candidate Spotlights

Candidate: Ralph Alvarado, MD

District: Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District

Background: Dr. Alvarado is an internal medicine physician, a former Kentucky state senator, and former Tennessee Commissioner of Health. He is running in the open seat race in Kentucky’s 6th Congressional District following Republican Rep. Andy Barr’s decision to run for the U.S. Senate. Dr. Alvarado became the first Hispanic member of the Kentucky state Senate in 2014 and emerged as a leading advocate for organized medicine and health care policy in the state legislature. Following his time in the Kentucky legislature, Dr. Alvarado served as the Commissioner of Health in Tennessee. Dr. Alvarado hopes to bring a unique blend of medical training and legislative experience to Congress. AMPAC supported Dr. Alvarado in his May primary election, and he is heavily favored to win the general election in what is considered a solid Republican district. AMPAC believes he will bring a unique perspective to Congress and will continue to be a champion for organized medicine.

Campaign website:https://alvaradoforcongress.com/

Candidate: John Cowan, MD

District: Georgia’s 11th Congressional District

Background: Dr. Cowan is a neurosurgeon and businessman who is running in the open seat in Georgia’s 11th Congressional District after Republican Rep. Barry Loudermilk decided not to seek re-election. AMPAC previously supported Dr. Cowan when he sought the Republican nomination in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District in 2020. As a former private practice physician, he has firsthand experience with the challenges physicians face from Medicare payment cuts and burdensome prior authorization requirements. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Cowan and his wife, an anesthesiologist, opened two vaccine clinics to help expand vaccine access in their community. As expected, no candidate received more than 50 percent of the vote, so the top two will move on to the June 16 runoff election. Dr. Cowan received 42% of the vote and will face Rob Adkerson, former chief of staff to Rep. Loudermilk. The winner of the runoff election is heavily favored to win the general election in a district considered solidly Republican. AMPAC supported Dr. Cowan in both the primary and runoff elections. If elected to Congress, AMPAC believes he will be a strong voice for organized medicine.

Campaign website:www.cowanforcongress.com