Chicago sports owners split on political giving
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Chicago sports team owners show split allegiances in their recent national political donations, with half leaning Democratic and half leaning Republican, per a new Axios analysis of Federal Election Commission data.
Why it matters: These juicy data bytes offer more to chew on as you watch election returns and your favorite games this season.
Sibling split: Siblings Tom and Laura Ricketts, who co-own the Cubs with other family members, diverge broadly in their federal political donations.
- Cubs chairman Tom gave prodigiously to their Republican brother Pete Ricketts' U.S. Senate reelection campaign in Nebraska.
- Laura — co-owner of the Sky and Cubs as well as majority owner of the Red Stars — has donated heavily to Democrats, including Illinois U.S. Senate candidate Juliana Stratton.
Between the lines: Not all the contributions are partisan. Some go to industry political action committees — like the MLB PAC and the Gridiron PAC — that support both parties.
- And while White Sox and Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has given to Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs and Navajo County Democrats, he has also supported Indiana Republican U.S. Sen. Todd Young.
Crosstown camaraderie? Justin Ishbia, who holds a minority stake in the Sox, has supported Cubs co-owner Pete Ricketts' campaign to the tune of $27,000.
What's next: Let the games begin.