‘Who is funding you?’: News 4 investigation presses dark money groups behind political ads for transparency

Oklahoma’s primary elections next month have seen a surge in political ads, many funded by dark money groups that avoid disclosing their donors. News 4 in Oklahoma City interviewed leaders of these groups, including Dave Bond of 'People for Opportunity,' which has run ads opposing State Question 832, a ballot measure to raise the state’s minimum wage. Bond refused to name major donors, despite repeated questions, stating only that the group is funded by 'Oklahomans' without specifying individuals or out-of-state contributions. Unlike candidate campaigns or political action committees (PACs), dark money groups like 501(c)(4) nonprofits are not required to disclose their donors. Former Assistant Oklahoma Attorney General Tim Gilpin noted that these groups also face no limits on fundraising, thanks to the U.S. Supreme Court’s *Citizens United* decision. This allows corporations and wealthy entities to contribute without public scrutiny, enabling groups to run unlimited ads without revealing who is behind them. 'People for Opportunity' previously ran ads targeting liberal Oklahoma Supreme Court justices in 2024. Now, the group is focusing on opposing the minimum wage increase, arguing it would harm small businesses by adopting California’s wage structure. Bond claimed the group’s funding comes from 'folks all over the state' but avoided naming specific donors, even when pressed multiple times. The investigation underscores how dark money groups operate in the shadows, influencing elections without transparency. Voters have no way of knowing who is funding the ads shaping their decisions, leaving them unaware of potential conflicts of interest. The lack of disclosure raises concerns about fairness in Oklahoma’s political process ahead of the primary elections.