Dark Money Group Led by Corporate Lobbyists Funds Pro-Stevens Super PAC

A new Federal Election Commission filing reveals that nearly all of the $13 million spent by the pro-Haley Stevens super PAC A Stronger Michigan has come from Center Forward, a dark money group led by corporate lobbyists with ties to defense contractors and pharmaceutical companies.

The FEC document shows that A Stronger Michigan, formed in June to support Rep. Haley Stevens in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary, has directed all of its $13 million in ad spending to Stevens within its first seven weeks. Center Forward, a Washington-based nonprofit, provided the overwhelming majority of those funds. While Center Forward CEO Cori Kramer states the group is not “legally affiliated” with the super PAC, she confirmed ongoing support for Stevens, saying, “We’re proud to stand with the voters of Michigan in supporting Haley Stevens.”

The arrangement highlights the growing role of dark money in U.S. elections, where nonprofit organizations can funnel unlimited, undisclosed donations to political action committees without public disclosure. Experts say this allows corporate interests to influence races without accountability. In this case, Stevens’ opponent, Abdul El-Sayed, has advocated for Medicare for All, a policy that threatens the financial interests of pharmaceutical companies like those represented by PhRMA, a top donor to Center Forward.

Center Forward’s board includes several high-profile corporate lobbyists. Board chair Robert Cramer and board member Jefferies Murray have both lobbied for Northrop Grumman, a major defense contractor whose weapons systems are used in conflicts in the Middle East. Public records also show that Cramer has lobbied for Leidos, another defense firm benefiting from U.S. military spending. The group’s financial disclosures reveal additional donations from electric utility PG&E and the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), a biotech trade group.

Critics argue that such funding arrangements blur the lines between corporate influence and political campaigns. A Stronger Michigan’s rapid deployment of $13 million in ads—all without donor transparency—illustrates how dark money groups can shape electoral outcomes behind closed doors. Stevens’ campaign has not responded to requests for comment on the funding sources.

The development comes as Michigan voters prepare to cast ballots in a competitive Democratic primary where health care policy and defense spending remain key issues. With dark money playing an increasingly visible role, transparency advocates continue to call for stricter disclosure rules to ensure voters know who is funding political messages.

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