Jane Fonda is putting her political money behind candidates on the far left.
The actress’s Climate PAC has directed millions of dollars toward progressive and socialist candidates ahead of the November midterm elections, supporting Democrats whose climate policies and broader political views closely mirror Fonda’s own.
According to the group’s latest federal campaign report covering the 2025-2026 election cycle, the PAC raised roughly $8 million and spent more than $5 million on congressional, state and local contests this year—largely without drawing public attention.
The filing shows about $1.8 million went toward operating expenses, while $3.4 million was distributed directly to candidates and $228,000 was sent to other political committees. The PAC still had approximately $5 million on hand.
Fonda, 88, has spent decades as a prominent political activist. She was branded “Hanoi Jane” after being photographed atop an anti-aircraft gun during a 1972 visit to North Vietnam at the height of the Vietnam War, and she has since become a longtime supporter of progressive candidates.
In 2019, she was arrested several times outside the US Capitol while helping lead “Fire Drill Fridays,” a series of demonstrations calling for action on climate change and support for the Green New Deal.
Much of the PAC’s spending has come through $5,000 donations to contenders in competitive House races, including contests in Pennsylvania, North Carolina and other states that could play a role in determining control of Congress.
The organization also contributed $5,000 to Dr. Annie Andrews, the Democratic Senate hopeful challenging appointed Republican Sen. Darline Graham of South Carolina in a race that has recently become more competitive. Andrews appeared in a campaign advertisement with her Republican father, who insisted she was “not some crazy socialist.”
Fonda’s PAC has additionally supported Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, a progressive Democrat running against Republican former NFL broadcaster Michele Tafoya.
In Wisconsin, the PAC made the maximum $5,000 contribution to gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong, a self-described socialist whose once-promising campaign faltered after she faced criticism over an earlier call to “cancel Thanksgiving.”
The “Barbarella” star’s political operation has not limited its reach to major federal campaigns. It also gave $5,000 to a county commission candidate in Oregon, underscoring its interest in down-ballot races.
In 2025, Fonda’s contributions totaled $40,000 in Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County, an area shaped by abandoned coal mines and Superfund sites. Democrats subsequently took control of the county council.
She also donated $5,000 to Tennessee state Rep. Justin Pearson’s congressional campaign. Pearson was expelled from the state House after participating in a gun-control demonstration on the chamber floor, though he was later returned to office.
Michigan congressional candidate William Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement, also reported receiving $5,000 from Fonda’s PAC in his latest Federal Election Commission filing. The climate advocacy group he helped establish has called for sweeping measures to address climate change. In 2013, when he was 22, Lawrence faced felony trespassing charges after chaining himself to an Enbridge Energy pipeline.
Lawrence said he allowed his Democratic Socialists of America membership to lapse this summer, shortly before winning his primary. He is now challenging GOP Rep. Tom Barrett in Michigan after spending about $700,000 to secure the nomination. Since then, Lawrence has accelerated his fundraising, collecting $3.7 million during the election cycle, including support from additional environmental organizations.
An Emerson College poll conducted October 14 showed Lawrence ahead of Barrett, 53% to 45%, among likely voters.
Fonda also gave the maximum allowable contribution to Sen. Ed Markey of Massachusetts, 80, who co-authored the Green New Deal with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a member of the progressive “Squad.” The proposal advocates transitioning the country to 100% clean energy.
The Climate PAC says its mission is to “end the stranglehold the fossil fuel industry has on our lives and our planet by electing climate champions at the state and local level.”
Fonda told the Los Angeles Times last year that she admired Republicans for taking control of state legislatures and county councils. “Down ballot, if you come in, especially for primaries, you can really make a difference,” she said. The Post has contacted the PAC for comment.
Fonda has also shown an ability to attract major donors. As The Post reported this spring, billionaire hedge fund manager Tom Steyer gave $310,000 to her PAC before receiving Fonda’s endorsement in his unsuccessful campaign for governor.