Federal Election Commission filings show that a political action committee opposing the re-election of Representative Deb Haaland (D-NM) has drawn the majority of its funding from donors linked to the horse racing industry. The committee, "Take Back the House PAC," reported raising approximately $1.5 million in the 2025-2026 election cycle to date.
Major contributions include $500,000 from the National Horse Racing Association's political fund and a $250,000 donation from prominent thoroughbred owner John Sterling. The PAC has spent over $1 million on advertising critical of Haaland's legislative record, particularly her support for the Horse Racing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA).
Representative Haaland, a member of the House Natural Resources Committee, has been a vocal advocate for the federal oversight of horse racing safety standards. Industry groups have opposed certain provisions of HISA, arguing they impose excessive regulatory burdens. The PAC's activities highlight the continued political friction over the law's implementation.
A spokesperson for the Haaland campaign stated, "This is a transparent attempt by special interests to influence an election because Deb Haaland puts the welfare of animals and the public interest first." The National Horse Racing Association has defended its contributions, calling them a legitimate exercise in supporting candidates who understand the industry's economic importance.
