[link removed] [[link removed]] AUGUST 7, 2025
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The rise of Ballard Partners, now the top lobbying firm in the country
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Ballard Partners entered the crowded lobbying arena in 2017, and as recently as last year it was ranked outside the top 15 firms in terms of lobbying revenue. But thanks to its close ties to the Trump administration, the firm rocketed to the top of the list in the second quarter of 2025.
Ballard’s income mushroomed to $20 million during April, May and June, an increase of $6.1 million over the previous period. While Brownstein, Hyatt — the top lobbying firm every year from 2021 to 2024 — remains the overall leader for the year, it saw an increase of just $1.7 million in Q2 to $18.5 million. If Ballard maintains a lead in each of the next two quarters, it would not only dethrone the reigning champ — it could break the record for annual earnings ($67.8 million, set last by Brownstein, Hyatt).
Table showing the top lobbying firms of the second quarter of 2025 [[link removed]]
The firm’s ballooning revenue can be attributed to its success in representing foreign governments — and, perhaps more importantly, its close ties to President Donald Trump, as they have paced each other’s advancements.
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NFL kicker Harrison Butker’s political committee is nearly broke
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Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, a staunch supporter of Republicans including President Donald Trump, launched a federal political action committee to significant fanfare in October 2024, with news organizations from CNN [[link removed]] to Fox News [[link removed]] to the Associated Press [[link removed]] covering its creation.
At the time, Butker endorsed Trump [[link removed]] and Sen. Josh Hawley [[link removed]] (R-Mo.), and said his Upright PAC would be “a way to promote and encourage Christian voters to vote.”
Upright PAC’s website [[link removed]] says the United States is “seeing our values under attack every day … in our schools, in the media, and even from our own government” and that the PAC is “working to mobilize Christians across this country to make sure we protect these values at the ballot box.”
But new federal records indicate that Upright PAC’s effort has fallen a few yards short of its target, reports Dave Levinthal .
* During the first six months of 2025, Upright PAC raised just $4,023 and ended June with less than $1,800 in cash on hand.
* Of the money it spent between January and June — about $7,400 — none of it benefitted Republican political candidates, either through direct donations to candidate committees or via advertisements that boost Republicans or criticize Democrats.
* Most of Upright PAC’s spending this year went to pay a political consultant, with most of the rest covering merchant fees for political contribution payment processor WinRed, according to the PAC’s FEC report.
* Upright PAC likewise spent no money on political candidates during October, November and December of 2024, its first months in existence, instead spending most of what it raised — about $38,000 — on fundraising, video production, office supply and consulting expenses.
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A look back, a look ahead: The OpenSecrets Annual Report is here
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The OpenSecrets' 2024 Annual Report is now available. This report highlights the significant strides we made last year in promoting transparency in U.S. politics and empowering citizens with vital information, while experiencing record engagement.
In this report, you'll discover:
* Key metrics demonstrating the demand for our data, research and reporting.
* Examples of our analysis of outside spending in elections, online political advertising and the lobbying industry.
* An inside look at our goals for 2025 and how we plan to continue expanding our reach and impact.
Read the Report [[link removed]]
What else we're reading
Trump’s political operation has stockpiled a massive amount of cash ahead of the midterms [[link removed]] (Politico )
Candidates decry dark money — and reap its benefits [[link removed]] (Axios)
TikTok Billionaire Donates Millions to Trump as He Repeatedly Delays Ban [[link removed]] (Sludge)
Higher Ed Lobbying Spending Rises [[link removed]] (Inside Higher Ed)
OpenSecrets in the News
See our media citations from outlets around the nation this week:
US farmers raise lobbying spending after Trump immigration crackdown [[link removed]] (Financial Times)
Farming groups spent almost $29mn on government lobbying in the six months to June, up from $23mn in the same period last year, according to US Senate lobbying disclosures collated by non-profit research group OpenSecrets.
Why Drug Prices for Some Big Medicines Will Remain High for a Longer Time [[link removed]] (The Wall Street Journal)
The drug industry had long been pushing to include the provisions in the new law that would affect those negotiations. Dozens of companies, including Merck and AstraZeneca, as well as industry groups such as the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, lobbied lawmakers on the provisions in the first half of the year, according to data from OpenSecrets.org, a nonprofit that tracks lobbying and campaign finance.
Karoline Leavitt's 2022 Congressional Campaign Is Still More than $300K in Debt After Spending Illegal Donations [[link removed]] (People)
Per OpenSecrets, Leavitt's campaign debt stems from illegal donations and contributions, in that they exceeded federal limits on monetary gifts to political campaigns, from individuals, political figures and political committees. As illegal contributions, the funds should have been returned — but the outlet reported that she and her campaign already spent the money.
Cryptocurrency firm among dark money donors in race for Pittsburgh mayor [[link removed]] (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
“People figured out how to work the system. Over time, they’ve learned how to perfect it, and it’s become basically ingrained as standard procedure.” said Brendan Glavin, director of insights at OpenSecrets, which monitors political spending. “We see it in congressional races. We see it in the presidential race. And now you’re seeing it more at the local level.”
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The OpenSecrets merch store is here!
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We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the OpenSecrets Merch Store [[link removed]] ! Now, you can support our mission while looking good doing it. Every purchase helps us provide comprehensive and reliable data, analysis and tools for policymakers, storytellers and citizens.
Our collection — initially featuring a hoodie, crewneck, t-shirt and hat — is designed to spread awareness and make a difference. Whether you're treating yourself or finding the perfect gift, every item you buy helps fuel our cause. And every item in our store was manufactured by a certified ethical and “sweat-free” company.
Join us in wearing your support — transparency has never been more comfortable!
Shop Now [[link removed]]
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