Quarterly Update
March 2026
Note from the AMPAC Chair
Welcome to our Inaugural AMPAC quarterly newsletter! Our goal is to keep you informed on the important work AMPAC is doing everyday to protect our profession and patients through fundraising and political updates.
I truly believe patient advocacy is good patient care. 2026 is an important year for patient advocacy. The midterm elections this November will result in a new Congress. Nearly 70 physicians have decided to run for federal office, giving us a golden opportunity to increase our influence.
This year is also AMPAC’s 65th anniversary. AMPAC is the oldest non-union PAC in the country. Physicians can be proud that AMPAC was an early adopter of political strategies such as strategic spending on federal candidates, independent expenditures, and campaign schools. These programs helped lead to 21 physicians being elected to the present Congress, the most since 1820.
When I contribute to AMPAC, I do it as a patient advocate, not an activist. AMPAC has invested in candidates that I would never personally vote for but I realize our patients need AMPAC to engage with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. I am proud to contribute to AMPAC at the Capitol Club Diamond level, and I hope you can join me in advancing our legislative priorities.
John W. Poole, MD, FACS
Chair, AMPAC Board of Directors
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.
In 2025, AMPAC had a very successful fundraising year, raising $1,144,354 from 2,370 donors. That’s a 23% increase from 2024! Together, donors at all levels helped drive AMPAC’s success. The Capitol Club contributors, AMPAC’s highest level of supporters, provided leadership in contributing at the below levels.
($500)
($1,000)
($2,500)
($5,000)
AMPAC has continued its fundraising success in the first 2 months of 2026, surpassing its 2025 January and February fundraising numbers. AMPAC’s goal in 2026 is to raise over $1,250,000, reaching 10% growth or more over 2025’s fundraising efforts. Every AMA member can make an impact! Click here to learn more.
Advocacy Updates
2026 Midterm Elections Update
The midterm elections will be here before we know it. Throughout the coming months, it’s crucial to stay informed about the races in your state. Here are a few tips to help you prepare:
- Locate your polling place
- Check your registration status
- Educate yourself about the voting options in your state
- Research the candidates on your ballot
In addition to preparing for the upcoming election, keep the following state primary dates in mind. Political parties use primaries to determine which candidates will run for their state’s partisan offices in the midterm elections on November 3.
- March 10: Mississippi Primary (including Senate)
- March 17: Illinois Primary
- March 31: Arkansas Primary Runoff
- April 7: Mississippi Primary Runoff
- May 5: Indiana, Ohio Primaries
- May 12: North Carolina Primary Runoff
- May 12: Nebraska, West Virginia Primaries
- May 16: Louisiana Primary
- May 19: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, Pennsylvania Primaries
- May 26: Texas Primary Runoff
- June 2: California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota Primaries
- June 9: Maine, Nevada, North Dakota, South Carolina Primaries
- June 16: Oklahoma Primary
- June 16: Alabama, Georgia Primary Runoff
- June 23: Maryland, New York, Utah Primaries
- June 23: South Carolina Primary Runoff
- June 27: Louisiana Primary Runoff
- July 28: South Dakota Primary Runoff
- June 30: Colorado Primary
- Aug. 4: Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia, Washington Primaries
- Aug. 6: Tennessee Primary
- Aug. 8: Hawaii Primary
- Aug. 11: Connecticut, Minnesota, Vermont, Wisconsin Primaries
- Aug. 18: Alaska, Florida, Wyoming Primaries
- Aug. 25: Oklahoma Primary Runoff
- Sept. 1: Massachusetts Primary (including Senate)
- Sept. 8: New Hampshire, Rhode Island Primaries
- Sept. 15: Delaware Primary
- Nov. 3: General Election Day
AMA National Advocacy Conference
The AMA National Advocacy Conference concluded with 3 days of informational sessions with a range of speakers from Dr. Sanjay Gupta and members of Congress. AMA members and state medical association executives traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate on a variety of issues including reducing prior authorization burdens, protecting access to care in Medicaid and Medicare payment reform.
AMPAC raised $112,849! A 31% increase from 2025. During the AMPAC Capitol Club breakfast, Rich Thau, Creator and Moderator of the Swing Voter Project, presented video testimonials on swing voters’ views on federal policy in Washington.
AMPAC Donor Testimonial
John Whyte, MD, MPHCEO, Executive Vice President
“I’m a strong supporter of AMPAC because it helps ensure that physicians have a seat at the table when critical health policy decisions are made. Supporting AMPAC means protecting patients, strengthening our profession, and advancing policies to practice medicine.”
About Dr. Whyte
Dr. Whyte’s leadership and commitment to AMPAC demonstrates a deep understanding that impactful advocacy depends on sustained engagement and investment. He affirms a clear vision that supporting AMPAC strengthens our collective voice, elevates our influence with policymakers, and empowers the AMA to drive meaningful change in shaping the future of health care.
Upcoming Events
AMA Council/Committee Applications Open
The AMA is looking for passionate medical professionals to apply for a position to serve on a council or committee. Learn about the application process and apply here before the March 16 deadline.
AMPAC Candidate Workshop
This event will be held in-person from April 17-19 at the AMA offices in Washington, D.C. Participants will learn from political veterans about how to be a successful candidate and run a winning campaign. Register by March 20 to secure your spot today.
AMPAC 65th Anniversary Celebration
We’ll commemorate this milestone anniversary during the Annual Meeting of the AMA House of Delegates on June 8 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. Learn more.