What Happened?

If you care about child care, paid leave or health coverage, the money flowing through this political action committee (PAC) is worth a closer look. CFFE PAC, the political action committee of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, advocates affordable caregiving, health care and paid family leave. The PAC focused on caregiving and family economic issues and has poured $5.32 million into federal races this election cycle, backing Democratic candidates and opposing two Republican incumbents. ​

CFFE PAC is a hybrid PAC that reported $3.6 million in receipts and $2.27 million in cash on hand through Aug. 31.

Why Does it Matter to Me?

The races this PAC is funding could determine which party controls the Senate and key House seats after November, and with them, the fate of legislation on child care costs, paid leave, and health coverage.

According to the Legis1 article, the top recipients of CFFE PAC support were:

  • Sherrod Brown (Ohio Senate): $829,688
  • Troy Jackson (Maine Senate): $647,793
  • Rep. Kathy Castor (D-FL), Paige Cognetti (PA-8), and Janelle Stelson (PA-10): $425,000 each
  • James Talarico (Texas Senate): $224,380

The PAC also spent $88,087 opposing Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA) and $30,631 opposing Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME).

Both Sides, Now

On July 30, 2026, according to the office of Sen. Patty Murray, Republicans voted against a resolution intended to stop a Trump administration rule that the office said would increase child-care costs.

Other outside groups also reported spending in the Virginia and Maine races, including HMP at $1.36 million and Stronger Maine at $1.13 million, though the direction of those expenditures was not established.

What Happens Next?

According to Politico Playbook, CFFE PAC and the League of Conservation Voters Victory Fund are jointly investing $750,000 to expand field organizing for Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, working with United Steelworkers to knock on more than 80,000 doors.

Separate outside-spending disclosures show the group reported $5.32 million in outside spending through Oct. 6.

Will the family-leave and child-care policies CFFE PAC is spending to advance gain enough congressional support to become law after November's results are certified?

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