Key facts
- Farmer group funds $3 million in attack ads against Republicans.
- Ads target candidates on cost of living, animal welfare, and tariffs.
- Save Our Bacon Act is a key point of contention.
- AMPA PAC has spent $2.9 million to date.
- Approximately $2.5 million funded ads opposing Iowa Republican Ashley Hinson.
- AMPA PAC also supported Republicans Brian Fitzpatrick and Andrew Garbarino.
A farmer-funded political action committee, the American Meat Producers Association (AMPA), is spending $3 million on attack ads against Republican candidates in competitive US midterm election races. The ads, targeting races in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Iowa, criticize Republican incumbents over issues including the cost of living, animal welfare standards, and trade tariffs. The AMPA PAC is specifically opposing the Save Our Bacon Act, which would overturn state laws mandating higher farm animal welfare standards. The group has spent approximately $2.5 million on ads opposing Iowa Representative Ashley Hinson and $100,000 supporting Pennsylvania Representative Brian Fitzpatrick and New York Representative Andrew Garbarino, who have opposed the act. AMPA President Holly Bice stated the ads address issues beyond animal welfare because farmers are impacted by multiple policies.