NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF)
The NRA's federal PAC — grades and funds candidates, spent $30M on 2020 elections
Overview
The NRA Political Victory Fund is the NRA's federally registered political action committee. It grades virtually every federal and statewide candidate on an A–F scale based on their gun positions, and those grades have enormous influence in Republican primary politics — an NRA "A rating" has become a prerequisite for winning in many districts.
The NRA-PVF spent unprecedented amounts in the 2016 cycle — $54.4 million in combined NRA-PVF and NRA-ILA political spending. Approximately $30 million went to outside expenditures supporting Trump and opposing Clinton; the remainder went to Senate and House races. The political spending includes direct contributions to candidates, independent expenditures, and "dark money" through affiliated 501(c)(4) organizations.
Key Personnel
Jason Ouimet
Former Executive Director, NRA-ILAOversaw NRA-ILA's political operations, including PVF, during the peak spending years.
Legislative Wins / Policy Impact
- Candidate grading system that shapes Republican primary politics
- $54M in 2016 cycle helped elect Trump and Senate majority
- Blocked gun safety legislation through threat of A-rating withdrawal