These left-wing politicians can thank Jane Fonda for the financial boost.
Jane Fonda’s Climate PAC has directed millions of dollars toward socialist and far-left candidates ahead of the November midterm elections, supporting Democrats whose climate policies and political platforms closely mirror her own.
The actress’s political action committee raised $8 million and spent more than $5 million on congressional, state and local contests this year, according to its latest federal campaign filing for the 2025-2026 election cycle. The spending has attracted little public attention.
The PAC reported $1.8 million in operating expenses, distributed $3.4 million to candidates and transferred $228,000 to other committees. It still had about $5 million in cash on hand.
Fonda, 88, has spent decades as a prominent social activist and supporter of progressive candidates. She was once dubbed “Hanoi Jane” after posing atop an anti-aircraft gun during a 1972 visit to enemy North Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam War.
In 2019, she was arrested repeatedly outside the US Capitol while helping organize “Fire Drill Fridays,” demonstrations supporting the Green New Deal.
Much of Fonda’s political spending has come through $5,000 PAC contributions to candidates in competitive House races in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states. Those contests could play a decisive role in determining control of Congress.
Fonda’s PAC also contributed $5,000 to Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic Senate candidate attempting to unseat appointed Sen. Darline Graham (R-SC) in a closely watched race that has recently become more competitive. Andrews appeared in an advertisement with her Republican father, who said she was “not some crazy socialist.”
The organization has also supported Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, whose progressive views have drawn scrutiny as she takes on Republican NFL broadcaster Michele Tafoya.
Fonda’s PAC gave the maximum allowed $5,000 to socialist Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong. Her once-promising campaign faltered as she faced questions about an earlier call to “cancel Thanksgiving.”
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The group led by “Barbarella” star Fonda also contributed $5,000 to lower-level candidates, including an Oregon county commission contender. The donation highlights the PAC’s reach beyond high-profile federal races.
In 2025, Fonda’s contributions totaled $40,000 in Luzerne County, Pa., an area marked by abandoned coal mines and Superfund sites. The money helped Democrats take control of the county council.
She also donated $5,000 to congressional candidate and State Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Tenn.). Pearson was expelled from the Tennessee state House after participating in a gun-control protest on the House floor, but was later reinstated.
The latest Federal Election Commission filing from Michigan congressional candidate William Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, shows that he also received a $5,000 contribution from Fonda’s PAC. His climate activist organization has advocated sweeping measures to address climate change. In 2013, when he was 22, Lawrence was charged with felony trespassing after locking himself to an Enbridge Energy pipeline.
Lawrence said he allowed his Democratic Socialists of America membership to lapse this summer, just days before winning his primary. He is challenging GOP Rep. Tom Barrett (D-Mich.) after spending only $700,000 to secure the nomination. Since then, Lawrence has mounted an aggressive fundraising effort, collecting $3.7 million during the election cycle, including money from other environmental organizations.
An Emerson College poll conducted Oct. 14 showed Lawrence leading Barrett, 53% to 45%, among likely voters.
Fonda also made the maximum permitted contribution to the campaign of Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), 80, who co-authored the Green New Deal with “Squad” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY). The proposal calls for a transition to 100% clean energy.
Fonda’s PAC says its mission is to “end the stranglehold the fossil fuel industry has on our lives and our planet by electing climate champions at the state and local level.”
Fonda told the LA Times last year that she admired how Republicans “took over state legislatures” and county councils. “Down ballot, if you come in, especially for primaries, you can really make a difference,” she said. The Post has contacted the PAC for comment.
Fonda has also proved to be an effective fundraiser. As The Post reported this spring, billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer gave $310,000 to her PAC before receiving her endorsement in his unsuccessful campaign for governor.
