First Amendment LLC dominates Wisconsin political spending

First Amendment LLC, a Virginia-based express advocacy organization, has emerged as the largest spender in Wisconsin’s 2026 political cycle. According to its first campaign finance report filed with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission, the group has spent nearly $13 million on digital ads, direct mail, phone calls, and campaign literature.

The spending is primarily directed toward preventing Democrats from winning the governorship and controlling the state Assembly and Senate. Of the total, approximately $9.3 million was allocated to attacks against Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley during his gubernatorial campaign against Republican U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany.

An additional $3.7 million was directed toward state legislative races. This includes significant expenditures targeting Democratic candidates in the 21st, 5th, 30th, and 88th districts. As an express advocacy group, First Amendment LLC is not required to disclose its original funding sources.