Understanding Political PAC Text Messages
Political Action Committees (PACs) and super PACs are among the most prolific senders of political text messages. Here's what they are, how they get your number, and how to stop unwanted PAC texts.
What is a PAC?
A Political Action Committee (PAC) is an organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat political candidates. PACs can be associated with candidates, political parties, labor unions, corporations, or advocacy groups. They're regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) and must disclose their donors and spending. PACs can contribute directly to candidates' campaigns (within contribution limits) and can also make independent expenditures — spending money to support or oppose candidates without coordinating with their campaigns.
PACs vs. super PACs
Super PACs are a newer type of political committee that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money, as long as they don't coordinate with candidates' campaigns. Unlike traditional PACs, super PACs cannot contribute directly to candidates — they can only make independent expenditures, such as running ads or sending texts that support or oppose a candidate. Super PACs have become a major force in political messaging, and they're responsible for many of the political texts and ads you receive, especially during election season.
How PACs get your phone number
PACs get phone numbers from the same sources as political campaigns: voter registration rolls, donor lists, petition signatures, and data brokers. If you've donated to a PAC, signed a petition, or attended a political event, your number may be on a PAC's list. PACs also buy lists from data brokers who combine voter data with consumer information to target specific groups of voters. Once your number is on a list, it can be shared with other PACs and groups — which is why you might receive texts from organizations you've never heard of.
Why PACs text so much
PACs text aggressively because texting is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to reach voters. Text messages have a high open rate — most people read texts within minutes — and they're inexpensive to send at scale. During election season, PACs may send millions of texts to voters in targeted districts. Because super PACs can spend unlimited amounts of money, they can afford to reach a very large audience. The volume can be overwhelming — some voters report receiving dozens of PAC texts per week during peak election season.
How to stop PAC text messages
To stop unwanted PAC texts:
Reply STOP: Most PAC texts must include an opt-out option. Replying STOP should remove you from that PAC's list. However, opting out of one PAC doesn't stop texts from other PACs — you may need to reply STOP to each sender individually.
Document repeat texts: If a PAC keeps texting after you've replied STOP, document each text with the sender, date, and time. A pattern of texts after an opt-out request is worth reporting.
Forward to 7726: Forward unwanted PAC texts to 7726 (SPAM) — your carrier's spam reporting line. This helps your carrier identify and block spam numbers.
File an FCC complaint: If a PAC continues texting after you've opted out, file a complaint with the FCC at fcc.gov/complaints. Include the sender's information, the dates of the texts, and proof that you opted out.
How to tell if a text is from a PAC
PAC texts are required to include certain disclosures. Look for language like "Paid for by [PAC name]" or "Authorized by [PAC name]" at the end of the message. The FEC requires political committees to identify themselves in their communications. If a text doesn't include a PAC name or disclosure, it may be from a scammer posing as a political organization. Legitimate PAC texts should also include an opt-out option like "reply STOP." If a text asks for donations via unusual methods or includes suspicious links, be cautious — it may be a scam rather than a legitimate PAC message.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a PAC and a super PAC?
Traditional PACs can contribute directly to candidates' campaigns (within contribution limits) and can also make independent expenditures. Super PACs can only make independent expenditures — they cannot contribute directly to candidates — but they can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. Both types of PACs can send political texts, but super PACs tend to send more because they have larger budgets and fewer restrictions on spending.
Can PACs text me without my consent?
The rules around PAC texting are complex. For automated texts sent using an autodialer, the sender generally needs prior express consent under the TCPA. However, some political texts may have different consent requirements depending on the type of message and how it's sent. PACs must include an opt-out option and honor opt-out requests. If you're receiving PAC texts without consent, or if a PAC continues texting after you've opted out, document the texts and file a complaint with the FCC.
How do I find out which PAC is texting me?
PAC texts are required to include a disclosure identifying the sender — look for "Paid for by [PAC name]" or similar language. You can also look up the PAC name on the FEC's website at fec.gov to see their registration, donors, and spending. If a text doesn't include a PAC name or disclosure, it may be from a scammer rather than a legitimate political committee. Legitimate PACs are registered with the FEC and their information is public.
Can I stop all PAC text messages?
You can't stop all PAC texts, but you can reduce them significantly. Reply STOP to each PAC's texts to opt out of their list. Avoid donating to PACs or signing petitions with your phone number if you don't want to be on their lists. Document and report PACs that continue texting after you've opted out. Because PACs share lists and use multiple numbers, you may need to opt out of each sender individually — but documenting the pattern helps you take action when senders ignore your requests.
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Disclaimer: CivicShield is a consumer privacy and documentation tool, not a law firm. CivicShield does not provide legal advice or guarantee a particular legal outcome. Laws and regulations vary by circumstance and jurisdiction. References to laws such as the TCPA or CAN-SPAM Act are for general informational purposes only — consult authoritative sources like the FCC and FTC for official guidance.