What Is a Super PAC vs. a PAC?

Compare limited candidate contributions with unlimited independent spending, disclosure, and coordination rules. The current 2026 cycle snapshot includes 1 high-spending committees from FEC records currently stored in GovOptes.

Traditional PACs can contribute directly

A traditional PAC may make contributions to federal candidates, subject to contribution limits and source restrictions. Because the candidate can control contributed funds, these transactions appear on the campaign's receipts.

Super PACs spend independently

A Super PAC may accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and labor organizations, but it cannot contribute to candidates. Its election spending must remain independent and is reported separately from candidate-controlled money.