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by Tyler Jeski
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — Two Pennsylvania lawmakers are preparing to introduce new legislation that would increase penalties for campaign finance violations after a think-tank filed a complaint against political activist Scott Presler and his political action committee (PAC).
The complaint filed by "Public Citizen" with the PA Department of State alleges Presler and his group Early Vote Action violated state campaign finance laws during the 2025 retention race for the PA Supreme Court.
"Public Citizen" bills itself as a watchdog organization of Congress and a group that will "mobilize activists to grow democratic movements."
Presler and Early Vote Action spent money on the "Vote No" movement in the retention of Justices Christine Donohue, Kevin Dougherty and David Wecht, the complaint said.
This incudes spending money on field staff, digital media, direct mail and voter-contact via texting, according to the complaint.
Public Citizen wrote that spending should have been reported to the PA Department of State since Presler's PAC spent more than $250 in each election reporting period.
The complaint refers to multiple media reports including pieces by WITF and WHYY, among others to prove that Presler spent money on the political action.
Pennsylvania law requires candidates and PACs to disclose fundraising and spending in retention races to the Department of State.
A Department of State spokesperson confirmed to CBS 21 that the complaint has been received, but said department does not comment on investigations.
CBS 21 reached out Presler multiple times for comment, but has not heard back.
There are no records of Early Vote Action (EVA) being a registered committee in PA Department of State's online database. The organization has registered with the Federal Election Commission.
According to online records, the PAC reported spending thousands of dollars in Pennsylvania during 2025. Most of the expenditures were listed for "government consulting."
As a result of that complaint, Democratic state Reps. Jared Solomon and Chris Rabb are ready to introduce legislation addressing campaign finance violations in PA.
In a co-sponsor memo, Solomon writes that some campaign finance law violators could face fines of up to $500. The lawmakers said their bill would increase those penalties with the goal of ensuring "financial transparency in our election process."
The bill is expected to be introduced soon.
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