PAC
Padilla
Defend the Dream
Leadership PAC
Politician's leadership PAC · FEC committee C00771238
Padilla gave $220K directly to 34 federal candidates in 2026 through its PAC, Defend the Dream, and 100% of it helped Democrats (FEC filings with varying coverage dates; the most common larger-campaign cutoff is Oct 14, 2026). 29 of the 29 candidates with a result won.
Checks to candidates
$220K
34 candidates on the 2026 ballot
Winners bought
29
5 more still being counted
Hit rate
100%
$188K on winners, $0 on losers
Party split
0% / 100%
Republicans / Democrats
Biggest checks
The candidates this committee paid the most, and whether they won.
| Candidate | Race | Amount | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adam Gray | California 13th District | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Chris Coons | Delaware Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Cory Booker | New Jersey Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Derek Tran | California 45th District | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Mark Warner | Virginia Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| John Hickenlooper | Colorado Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Jeff Merkley | Oregon Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Jon Ossoff | Georgia Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Ben Ray Luján | New Mexico Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
| Jack Reed | Rhode Island Senate | $10K | ✓ Won |
Questions people ask
- How much did Padilla give to candidates in 2026?
- Padilla gave $220K directly to 34 federal candidates in 2026 through its PAC, Defend the Dream, and 100% of it helped Democrats (FEC filings with varying coverage dates; the most common larger-campaign cutoff is Oct 14, 2026). 29 of the 29 candidates with a result won.
- Which politicians did Padilla give the most to in 2026?
- Adam Gray (Democrat, California 13th District, $10K), Chris Coons (Democrat, Delaware Senate, $10K), Cory Booker (Democrat, New Jersey Senate, $10K), Derek Tran (Democrat, California 45th District, $10K), Mark Warner (Democrat, Virginia Senate, $10K).