Both Pride PAC I and Pride PAC II are part of the Echols PAC network, a group of PACs managed by Tuscaloosa political consultant Michael Echols. These are just two of roughly six interconnected PACs he operates, including Cash PAC, ET PAC, CMG PAC II, T-Town PAC II, and Leadership PAC.
Focus on Pride PAC II:This PAC is the most documented, officially aimed at promoting “fiscally conservative candidates.”
Key facts:

Over 13 years, Pride PAC contributed nearly $1.7 million — but only about $157,000 went to Democratic candidates. The rest overwhelmingly supported Republicans.
Notable GOP recipients include Gov. Kay Ivey, AG Steve Marshall, Secretary of State John Merrill, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, and former Gov. Robert Bentley.
Major donors to Pride PAC II include Angus Capital Corp., Cunningham Bounds LLC, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and Hare Wynn Newell & Newton.

The controversy:The Echols PAC chain received $200,000 from George Soros, sparking political friction. However, it’s important to note that the PACs have historically donated to both parties, and prominent Republicans like Ivey have accepted over $100,000 from the same network.

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