Sixty years ago, when Lyndon B. Johnson was president and Americans were tuning in to the first episodes of “Star Trek," electric cooperative leaders came together to create a political action committee dedicated to ensuring that rural America had a voice in Washington.

That effort became America's Electric Cooperatives PAC, formerly known as ACRE. Supported by more than 25,000 contributors from electric co-ops across the country, the PAC has spent six decades helping elect candidates who understand the unique challenges facing rural communities and the co-ops that serve them.

"It's a true grassroots PAC," said Amy Lewis, NRECA's PAC and political engagement director. "Its strength comes from thousands of cooperative leaders and employees who voluntarily invest in advocacy because they understand what's at stake for their members and communities."

Since its founding in 1966, the PAC has evolved alongside the cooperative network it serves, said Kelly Cushman, NRECA's vice president of political programs.

“What began as an effort to help elect policymakers who understood co-ops has become a critical component of NRECA's advocacy strategy, helping ensure that electric cooperatives have a seat at the table on issues ranging from infrastructure and economic development to energy policy and reliability," Cushman said.

As NRECA celebrates the PAC's 60th anniversary, America's Electric Cooperatives PAC has raised nearly $3.4 million during the current election cycle alone for congressional candidates from both political parties, according to Federal Election Commission records through the end of June.

“America's Electric Cooperatives PAC is a critical tool in NRECA's advocacy efforts," said NRECA CEO Jim Matheson. “The PAC supports candidates who support our issues. 

“With its grassroots fundraising base, the PAC truly represents cooperatives across the country. Every investment in our advocacy efforts strengthens our voice, leadership and ability to deliver results."

Cushman said the PAC's success reflects a simple principle that has guided cooperatives for generations: Local people working together can achieve more collectively than they can individually.

“Thousands of contributors, each making modest annual investments, have helped create a powerful and respected voice for electric cooperatives in the nation's capital," she said.

“That voice has become increasingly important as policymakers consider issues that directly affect the ability of cooperatives to deliver safe, reliable and affordable electricity to their consumer-members."

NRECA President Mike Partin said the PAC's 60 years of success demonstrate the long-term value of cooperative engagement in the political process.

“The strength of our PAC has never been measured by dollars alone, but by the commitment of cooperative leaders who understand that our responsibility extends beyond the meter," Partin said. “For 60 years, it has helped protect the interests of our members, our communities and the cooperative model.

“As we look ahead, that united voice will be more important than ever because advocacy isn't about politics; it's about protecting the very existence of our movement and making sure rural America has a strong voice in our nation's future."

To commemorate the 60th anniversary, NRECA will recognize active 2026 PAC members during special receptions at this fall's NRECA Regional Meetings. Each active PAC member will be presented with a commemorative gift to mark the anniversary.