Super PAC that supported Burgum returns donation that was subject of FEC complaint

A super PAC that supported Gov. Doug Burgum’s White House bid has returned a $150,000 contribution to a business accused of being a straw donor, a document filed this week shows.

The Campaign Legal Center, a D.C.-based nonprofit, in February filed a Federal Election Commission complaint against Head East LLC, alleging the corporation “appears to exist solely on paper” and was only created to hide the source of the payment. 

Head East was incorporated in North Dakota on July 24, 2023, according to documents filed with the North Dakota Secretary of State’s Office. The complaint states that Head East LLC donated the $150,000 to the Best of America political action committee 15 days later.

Complaint alleges ‘straw donor’ contributed to Burgum presidential bid

The Best of America PAC backed Burgum’s campaign, but is not directly affiliated with the governor.

Campaign finance records the PAC submitted to the FEC on Tuesday indicate the payment was refunded to Head East on April 8. The document does not indicate a reason for the refund.

If the FEC investigates the complaint and concludes it’s substantiated, it could decide to bring civil fines or make a referral for criminal charges.

Judith Ingram, press officer for the FEC, said the agency does not comment on “pending or potential” complaints.

Janel Forsythe, a media associate for the Campaign Legal Center, said the nonprofit could not comment at this time.

Best of America did not immediately respond to an email and phone call seeking comment Wednesday.