$3 Million in Attack Ads Target Republicans in Midterm Races
A political action committee backed by farmers is deploying $3 million in attack ads against Republicans in competitive US midterm races, according to reporting from Reuters. The expenditures target incumbent lawmakers in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Iowa ahead of the November 3, 2026, elections, focusing criticism on cost-of-living pressures, animal welfare policies, and trade tariffs.
The funding originates from the political action arm of the American Meat Producers Association (AMPA), an organization established in 2025 that represents farmers advocating for high animal welfare standards. While billions of dollars flow into the broader midterm cycle, this $3 million outlay highlights growing political friction within traditionally reliable rural constituencies.
Policy Disputes Over the Save Our Bacon Act and Tariffs
The ad campaign primarily targets four Republican lawmakers for supporting the Save Our Bacon Act in Congress. The legislation aims to overturn state-level laws in California and Massachusetts that mandate higher animal welfare standards for pork products, a regulatory fight that has divided the industry for years.
AMPA’s advertisements also fault candidates for broader economic measures, including support for tariffs on Canadian goods and the ongoing war in Iran. In Colorado, an ad targeting U.S. Representative Gabe Evans states that he voted for Trump’s tariffs and the war in Iran, sending prices skyrocketing, as reported by Reuters. Evans did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the broadcast.
Diverging Alliances Across the Farm Belt
The political intervention exposes deep divisions among agricultural communities grappling with record diesel prices, elevated fertilizer costs, and reduced export volumes to China. Although President Donald Trump’s administration plans to distribute $8 billion in diesel aid—bringing government payments to farmers to a record high of $55.4 billion for the year—these funds will not arrive until after the election, according to Reuters.
Mainstream agricultural lobbying organizations largely maintain their alliance with the Republican Party. In September 2026, the political action arm of the Iowa Farm Bureau endorsed all Republican candidates running for the House, Senate, and the state secretary of agriculture post.
Conversely, AMPA has concentrated roughly $2.5 million of its spending on digital and radio advertisements opposing U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, an Iowa Republican running for the U.S. Senate. Hinson’s campaign communications director, Billy Fuerst, defended her record, stating, Iowa farmers strongly support Ashley Hinson because she delivers for agriculture.
Hinson has also secured endorsements from the Iowa Corn Growers Association and the state Farm Bureau chapter.
Financial Breakdown of AMPA Political Spending
Federal election filings outline how the American Meat Producers Association has allocated its political war chest across key congressional contests:
| Candidate Targeted or Supported | State & Office | AMPA Ad Spending | Stance on Save Our Bacon Act |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson | Iowa Senate | $2.5 million (Opposition) | Supporter |
| U.S. Rep. Gabe Evans | Colorado House | Undisclosed portion of $2.9 million total | Supporter |
| U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick | Pennsylvania House | $100,000 (Support) | Opponent |
| U.S. Rep. Andrew Garbarino | New York House | $100,000 (Support) | Opponent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who funds the American Meat Producers Association political action committee?
The organization does not publicly disclose its donor lists or major contributors. Holly Bice, the sole listed employee and president of AMPA, stated that the PAC is supported by farmers, meat companies, and individuals concerned with family farming, while Russ Kremer, a Missouri hog farmer on the leadership council, noted that many of the roughly 5,000 involved farmers have contributed.
Why is AMPA supporting select Republican incumbents?
While the group predominantly funds attack ads against Republicans who support overturning state animal welfare laws, it also contributes financial backing to lawmakers who share its regulatory stance. AMPA directed $100,000 in advertising support toward Republican Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Andrew Garbarino of New York because both opposed the Save Our Bacon Act.
What are the current polling trends in rural Iowa ahead of the vote?
Although Donald Trump won Iowa by double digits during the 2024 presidential election, Reuters/Ipsos polling recorded rural approval of the president dropping to 45% in October 2026. Current polls show Democratic candidates tied with or leading Republicans across multiple competitive midterm races in the state.
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