The final inning is here. ABC Ohio Valley members have just days left to make a difference in one of the most important drives in our chapter’s history-and to help our industry hit a home run for free enterprise, open competition, and the merit shop philosophy that defines who we are.
Key Takeaways
- ABC Ohio Valley members have an urgent, voluntary opportunity to support ABC PAC, the political action committee (PAC) that defends merit shop values, by June 30, 2026.
- ABC PAC is closing in on a $3 million fundraising goal and a 10% increase in PAC contributors to strengthen merit shop advocacy and protect free enterprise nationwide.
- Two signed, game-used Mark Teixeira baseball bats are on the line: one for the ABC chapter that raises the most PAC dollars, and one for the chapter with the highest number of new PAC contributors.
- If ABC Ohio Valley wins one or both bats, the chapter hopes to recognize new contributors through a drawing, subject to applicable PAC rules and final guidance.
- Make your voluntary contribution by June 30, 2026, at pac.abc.org using the password ABCPAC.
Batter Up: Why ABC Ohio Valley Is Rallying Around ABC PAC Right Now
Batter up. When the stakes are high, and the scoreboard is close, you don’t sit in the dugout-you step up to the plate. That’s exactly what ABC Ohio Valley is asking its members to consider doing right now.
ABC PAC is your voice in elective politics. It is the political action committee that channels voluntary member support into real political activism, backing merit shop candidates who fight for fair competition, workforce development, and a regulatory climate where contractors earn work on the basis of quality and safety, not political connections. The PAC is one of the largest pro-business PACs in the construction industry, and its strength depends entirely on broad participation from ABC members like you.
The June 30, 2026, deadline marks the final push in a national ABC PAC chapter competition and the close of a critical window for reaching current-cycle fundraising and contributor goals. ABC Ohio Valley, your Associated Builders & Contractors regional chapter representing commercial contractors across Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia, has a real shot at winning, but only if more members get involved.
Political involvement through the PAC is completely voluntary. No one is required to give. But if you believe in protecting your ability to win work and grow your business through open competition, now is the time to act.
What Is ABC PAC and How Does It Protect Free Enterprise?
ABC PAC is the national political action committee of Associated Builders and Contractors, registered with the Federal Election Commission since July 10, 1976 (FEC Committee ID C00010421). Its sole purpose: to promote political involvement among merit shop contractors and to jointly support candidates who defend free enterprise, open competition, and the construction industry’s ability to thrive without government favoritism.
As a trade association-connected PAC, ABC PAC operates under well-established guidelines set by federal law and FEC regulations. It collects voluntary contributions from eligible individuals within the restricted class of ABC member companies-executives, administrative personnel, and their families who have provided prior authorization. These contributions are pooled to provide financial support to federal candidates who align with the merit agenda.
Here’s what that means for ABC Ohio Valley members in practical terms:
- Project labor agreement mandates: ABC PAC supports candidates who oppose government-mandated PLAs that shut merit shop contractors out of public projects.
- Right-to-work protections: Backed candidates defend state right-to-work laws critical to Ohio Valley businesses.
- Workforce development funding: PAC-supported legislators champion apprenticeship and training programs that keep our workforce pipeline strong.
- Regulatory burden reduction: ABC PAC fights for a regulatory climate that rewards safe, efficient builders rather than punishing them with red tape.
ABC PAC works alongside state-level PACs and local advocacy programs to ensure a unified and powerful voice for merit shop contractors is heard in Washington, D.C., and in key states. When contractors across 67 chapters and more than 24,000 member companies speak together through the federal election process, policymakers listen.
Covering the Bases: The $3 Million Goal and 10% Contributor Increase
Let’s talk numbers. ABC PAC is close to reaching its current-cycle goal of raising $3 million in money raised from voluntary contributors and increasing the total number of PAC contributors by 10% across the country. Through the most recent reporting period ending April 30, 2026, the PAC has raised approximately $2.7 million in total receipts, all from individual contributions.
Every voluntary contribution from an ABC Ohio Valley member, regardless of size, helps move the national PAC closer to the goal line. More importantly, it demonstrates broad-based support for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy. Under federal law, individuals may contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year to a trade association-connected PAC.
These PAC funds directly support targeted congressional races where federal candidates understand the needs of commercial builders. That means raising PAC funds to back candidates who:
- Oppose anti-competitive government mandates
- Support workforce development and safety initiatives
- Defend the merit shop model of earning work based on qualifications, not union affiliation
Contributions to abc PAC are for political purposes and are not tax deductible as charitable contributions. All contributions are subject to applicable federal and state PAC rules.
The strength of a political action committee isn’t measured only in dollars-it’s measured in the number of members willing to participate. A broad contributor base sends a powerful voice to elected officials that the construction industry is engaged, organized, and watching.
Stepping Up to the Plate: The Mark Teixeira Bat Challenge
Here’s where things get exciting. Don’t strike out on this one.
ABC National has launched a special chapter competition featuring two signed, game-used baseball bats from former MLB star Mark Teixeira. The competition runs through June 30, 2026, and the stakes are simple:
| Category | Prize | How to Win |
|---|---|---|
| Most PAC Dollars Raised | One signed, game-used Teixeira bat | Chapter with highest total dollars contributed during the challenge period |
| Most New PAC Contributors | One signed, game-used Teixeira bat | Chapter with the highest number of first-time PAC contributors |
ABC Ohio Valley is competing in both categories. That means every new contributor who steps up to the plate helps the chapter climb the leaderboard-and every existing supporter who increases their giving pushes our total higher.
This isn’t just about a prize. It’s about demonstrating that ABC Ohio Valley members take their direct involvement in elective politics seriously, and that our chapter has the engagement to back it up.
If ABC Ohio Valley wins one or both bats, the chapter hopes to recognize new contributors through a drawing, subject to applicable PAC rules and final guidance. No contribution guarantees any prize, and details will be communicated to members after ABC and legal counsel confirm that the procedures are compliant.
Mark Teixeira: From World Series Champion to Pro–Free Enterprise Candidate
The name on those bats carries serious weight. Mark Teixeira played 14 MLB seasons (2003–2016) for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees. His resume speaks for itself:
- 2009 World Series champion with the New York Yankees
- Three-time All-Star
- Five-time Gold Glove Award winner
- Three-time Silver Slugger Award winner
Now Teixeira is bringing that same competitive, team-focused mindset to public service. He announced his run for Congress in Texas’s 21st Congressional District and won the Republican primary in March 2026 with approximately 60.9% of the vote. He will face the Democratic nominee in the November 2026 general election for a seat in the House of Representatives.
His candidacy aligns with ABC PAC’s broader effort to elect pro–free-enterprise, pro–merit-shop leaders who understand business, job creation, and the importance of fair competition. Candidates like Teixeira represent the kind of leadership that voters in the construction industry need and will advocate for them in office.
How ABC PAC Helps ABC Ohio Valley Members Win the Policy Game
Talk is cheap. Results matter. Here is how ABC PAC, working alongside ABC Ohio Valley’s chapter leadership, translates ABC PAC members’ contributions into tangible benefits for contractors in our region.
Backing the right candidates based on the issues that matter. ABC PAC evaluates candidates based on their positions and voting records on free enterprise, merit shop construction, workforce development, and regulatory reform. It supports-and when necessary, works toward opposing candidates who threaten the merit shop model. That evaluation process ensures PAC funds go where they’ll do the most good.
Preserving a level playing field. PAC-supported advocacy helps maintain open competition so Ohio Valley contractors can bid work based on quality, safety, and productivity, not political connections or union mandates. When ABC-backed candidates hold seats in the United States House and the United States Senate, the policies that come out of Washington reflect the interests of builders who earn their living.
Delivering real-world results for members. The downstream benefits for ABC members include:
- More opportunities to bid on public and private projects
- Fewer anti-competitive mandates at the federal and state levels
- Stronger workforce development and apprenticeship programs
- A regulatory climate that rewards safe, efficient builders
ABC Ohio Valley also uses its advocacy voice on state and local issues. A strong national political action committee PAC amplifies those local efforts in Congress and key federal agencies, creating a feedback loop that benefits every member company in the Ohio Valley.
Don’t Strike Out: How to Make a Voluntary Contribution by June 30, 2026
The clock is running. Here’s how to step up:
- Visit pac.abc.org
- Log in with password ABCPAC
- Follow the on-screen prompts to make your voluntary contribution
- Complete your contribution before the June 30, 2026, deadline
Consider becoming a new contributor or increasing your current level of support. Both actions help ABC Ohio Valley climb the “total dollars” and “new contributors” leaderboards in the Mark Teixeira bat challenge.
A few important reminders:
- Participation is entirely voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Choosing not to contribute will not affect your ABC Ohio Valley membership, bid opportunities, or access to chapter services and member benefits. ABC will not favor or disadvantage anyone based on their decision to contribute.
- Any proposed contribution amounts are merely suggestions. Contribution amounts are merely guidelines- suggestions you may follow, adjust, or decline entirely.
- Contributions to ABC PAC are for political purposes only. Contributions to PACs are not tax-deductible for federal income tax purposes.
- If you have compliance or eligibility questions, reach out to ABC Ohio Valley staff or ABC National’s PAC team before contributing.
FAQ
Who is eligible to contribute to ABC PAC?
Eligible individuals generally include U.S. citizens and those lawfully admitted for permanent residence who are affiliated with ABC member companies that have granted ABC PAC prior approval. Under federal law, foreign nationals who do not hold permanent residence status in the United States cannot contribute. Corporate treasury contributions are also restricted under federal rules. If you are unsure about your eligibility, confirm with your company leadership, your employer’s compliance office, or the ABC Ohio Valley office before making a contribution.
Is my contribution to ABC PAC tax-deductible?
No. Contributions to ABC PAC are for political purposes and are not tax-deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes. This means you cannot claim them as deductions on your federal income tax return. If you have detailed questions about how political contributions interact with your overall tax situation, consult your tax advisor for guidance specific to your income tax purposes and circumstances.
How will my contribution be used in specific races?
ABC PAC evaluates federal candidates based on their records, positions, and voting records on free enterprise, merit shop construction, workforce development, and regulatory issues affecting contractors. Pac funds may support candidates running for the United States House of Representatives or the United States Senate across the country, including key races that influence policies affecting Ohio Valley contractors. Decisions about contributions to candidates are made by ABC PAC’s national leadership and political committees, guided by member input and policy priorities. Federal law requires political committees to report all disbursements, so this information is publicly available through FEC filings. The law requires political committees to report the name, address, and details of recipients, and for any individual whose contributions aggregate in excess of $200 in a calendar year, the committee must report the name, address, occupation, and name of employer. The political committees’ reporting requirements ensure full transparency in the federal election process. Contributions aggregate over the full reporting period, and all disclosure follows federal law.
Does contributing to ABC PAC affect my ABC Ohio Valley membership status?
Absolutely not. Contributions are completely voluntary. Choosing to contribute or not contribute does not affect a company’s or individual’s membership standing with ABC Ohio Valley. Access to chapter benefits such as safety training, workforce development programs, advocacy updates, networking events, and Excellence in Construction recognition does not depend on PAC participation. Your membership and all associated benefits remain fully intact regardless of your decision.
How will ABC Ohio Valley handle the Mark Teixeira bats if the chapter wins?
If ABC Ohio Valley wins one or both signed, game-used Mark Teixeira bats, the chapter hopes to recognize new contributors through a drawing, subject to applicable PAC rules and final guidance. No contribution guarantees any prize, and the drawing structure will be designed to comply with all applicable regulations. Details will be communicated to members after ABC and legal counsel confirm that the procedures are compliant. Contact your chapter leadership team with any questions about the process.
