Campaign finance reports reveal horse racing interests behind anti-Haaland PAC

April 15, 2026 - 06:10

Newly filed campaign finance reports have unveiled the financial engine behind a political action committee opposing Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, revealing significant backing from interests tied to the horse racing industry. The reports indicate that at least three of the committee's four major donors have connections to prominent attorney Sam Bregman, a former chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission.

This financial support highlights a specific industry's high-stakes engagement in the political process, particularly concerning federal land and resource management policies overseen by the Interior Department. Secretary Haaland, a former U.S. representative from New Mexico, has been a focal point for criticism from some Western groups and industries regarding regulatory and conservation approaches.

The alignment of racing industry figures with this political effort suggests focused concerns over potential federal policies that could impact operations on public lands or related regulatory frameworks. The involvement of individuals connected to a former state racing commissioner points to a coordinated strategy from within a specific economic sector to influence the political landscape surrounding a key cabinet official. The development underscores the ongoing intersection of industry interests and federal policy battles in Washington.