On August 2, 2017, VICE News explored liberal billionaire George Soros’ investments in 14 local district attorney races over the past two years. Despite his losses in only 3 races, Soros has been a significant financial force, with contributions ranging from $21,000 in Milwaukee to $1.9 million in Maricopa County.
VICE News delves into the outcomes of these races, the actions of the winning prosecutors, and speculates on Soros’ potential future investments with his substantial $10 million budget.
Billionaire George Soros is investing heavily in local races, aiming to influence the appointment of progressive prosecutors who prioritize criminal justice reform. Soros has funded 14 candidates in district attorney races across the country since 2015, with 10 currently in office. These prosecutors, backed by Soros, have implemented reforms such as opposing the death penalty, supporting bail reform, and advocating for shorter sentences. By strategically targeting less high-profile races, Soros aims to maximize his impact and reshape the traditionally punitive approach to criminal justice.
Soros spending on District Attorney races via Safety and Justice PACs
The Safety and Justice PAC is a left-of-center political action committee (PAC) that focuses on supporting the campaigns of progressive Democratic prosecutors. It was created to fund the campaigns of candidates who prioritize public safety policies that decrease reliance on incarceration, advance equitable treatment, and increase community investments in alternative sentencing, community corrections, addiction treatment, and victim services. The PAC receives most of its funding from left-leaning billionaire George Soros and Democracy PAC, which also receives much of its funding from Soros. The PAC has been a significant financial force in local district attorney races, aiming to influence the appointment of progressive prosecutors who prioritize criminal justice reform. It has funded 14 candidates in district attorney races across the country since 2015, with 10 currently in office. The PAC’s expenditures have been a subject of intense interest and speculation, with substantial budget leading to discussions about potential future investments. The largest recipient of the PAC’s expenditure are political consulting firms, particularly BerlinRosen, which has earned significant amounts in various election cycles. The PAC has also supported various candidates and voter mobilization groups across different states.