Eleanor Finch
Target has been involved in political and legislative debates and processes, ranging from campaign contributions to lobbying to political activism. Target works with elected officials from all political parties to inform them about policies that may affect the company and its stakeholders. Target's decision-making body for financial support of political activities is a subset of the leadership team, which aims to balance the company's business interests with the interests of its team members, guests, communities, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Target may provide financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC, funded by voluntary team member contributions, and corporate contributions. Target has also expressed support for democratic values, the right to vote, and transparent, fair, and secure elections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Political engagement | Target works with elected officials from all political parties to inform them on policies that will affect the long-term health of the business and stakeholders across the value chain |
| Target supports civic engagement and believes that the right to vote is foundational to democracy | |
| Target may provide financial support to political candidates, political parties, or ballot initiatives through two separate channels: TargetCitizens PAC and directly from the corporation | |
| Target has not reported any outside spending in the 2024 election cycle | |
| Political balance | Target aims to ensure that its contributions are balanced between political parties and reflect the broad spectrum of views of its stakeholders |
| Target values diversity and inclusion and stands against hate in all forms | |
| Target considers an elected official's actions in support of diversity and inclusion when making political contributions | |
| Respect for the democratic election process | Target supports democratic processes and encourages team members and guests to exercise their democratic rights |
| Target believes each eligible voter should make their voice heard and has a history of encouraging guests and team members to vote | |
| Target has taken major actions related to voting, including giving employees time off to vote, offering to pay for employees to use ride-sharing programs to get to voting polling places, and recruiting poll workers for the 2020 election | |
| Lobbying | Target engages in lobbying and has contributed to super PACs supporting business-friendly candidates |
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What You'll Learn
Target's support for LGBT rights
Target has been criticised for its support of the LGBTQIA+ community, with the company celebrating Pride Month each June with internal events and experiences for team members, as well as a presence at local Pride events. Target also spotlights LGBTQ-owned brands in stores and online during Pride Month and all year round.
The company has also been praised for its model employment policies for LGBTQIA+ people. However, it has faced backlash for contributing $150,000 to an organisation supporting an anti-gay candidate associated with a Christian rock band that advocates death and violence against gay people. In response to criticism, Target informed the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) that it would take no corrective actions to repair the harm it had caused.
Despite this controversy, Target continues to support LGBTQIA+ rights and has been recognised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The company stands against hate in all forms and is committed to championing a more inclusive society. Target also values diverse backgrounds and perspectives, with over 400,000 team members and 30 million guests served each week, reflecting the diverse perspectives of the country.
In terms of political contributions, Target maintains that it will consider an elected official's actions in support of diversity and inclusion. The company also supports civic engagement and believes in the right to vote, transparent, fair, and secure elections, and opposes any actions that create barriers to voting. While Target may provide financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives, it does so through two separate channels: TargetCitizens PAC, funded by voluntary contributions from team members, and corporate contributions approved by the leadership team.
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Target's opposition to hate
Target has stated that it stands against hate in all forms and is committed to championing a more inclusive society. The company's decision-making body for financial support of political activities balances its business interests with the interests of its team members, guests, communities, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Target provides financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC and corporate contributions.
In 2023, Target faced criticism for removing some LGBTQ+ merchandise from stores and relocating Pride displays to the back of certain stores in the South. Activists in the LGBTQ+ community called for new campaigns to prevent corporations from succumbing to anti-LGBTQ+ pressure. Some people expressed concern about the impact of Target's Pride displays on children. In response, supporters of the LGBTQ+ community purchased Pride merchandise from Target to show their support.
In 2025, civil rights activists called for a boycott of Target after the company decided to phase out its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Activists gathered outside Target's headquarters to urge people to begin the boycott on the first day of Black History Month. They expressed disappointment in Target's decision, particularly given the company's previous commitment to building a diverse workforce and its location in Minneapolis, where the murder of George Floyd sparked a national reckoning with racial injustice. The organizers of the boycott included local Black Lives Matter groups, and some speakers cut up their Target charge cards during the announcement.
Target has also faced criticism for its political contributions. The company has contributed to political candidates, parties, committees, or organizations through its corporate funds and the TargetCitizens PAC. While Target claims to balance its contributions between political parties, some believe that these contributions do not adequately reflect the values of diversity and inclusion.
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Target's support for voter rights
Target has expressed its support for voter rights and encouraged its team members and guests to engage in the civic process and exercise their right to vote. The company believes that the right to vote is foundational to democracy and that elections should be conducted in a transparent, fair, and secure manner. Target has also stated that it opposes any actions that create barriers to voting and will consider a candidate's respect for the civic process and the integrity of elections when making political contributions.
In 2023, Target provided its team members with paid time off to vote in local, state, and federal elections, as well as time off to serve as election judges and poll workers. Target has also partnered with various nonpartisan national organizations that promote voting by raising awareness of elections and encouraging fair, accessible, and safe voting. These organizations include the League of Women Voters Education Fund, the Business for Voting Rights Coalition, and Power the Polls, among others.
Target's decision-making body for financial support of political activities is a subset of the leadership team, which balances the company's business interests with the interests of its team members, guests, communities, shareholders, and other stakeholders. Target may provide financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC, funded by voluntary contributions from team members, and through corporate contributions.
Target has emphasized its commitment to diversity and inclusion and stands against hate in all forms. When considering political contributions, the company takes into account an elected official's actions in support of these values, including their stance on issues such as voter suppression, access to early and mail-in voting, and the protection of voting rights for marginalized communities.
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Target's financial support for political candidates
Target may provide financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC and the use of general corporate funds where permitted by law. TargetCitizens PAC is funded by voluntary contributions from eligible team members and contributes in a bipartisan manner to federal candidates and organizations. The PAC considers an official's support for diversity and inclusion and their commitment to the democratic election process when determining contributions.
General corporate funds may be used for political contributions if Target's leadership team determines that it aligns with the company's business interests and is an appropriate means of advancing issues important to the business. This includes contributions to political candidates, parties, committees, or organizations, or for or against ballot measures. Target expressly states that its funds are to be used for educational and association management activities, not campaign contributions.
In the 2024 cycle, Target Corp reported contributions totaling $1,362,939 and lobbying expenses of $2,760,000. However, Target has not reported any outside spending in the same election cycle. Target's financial support for political candidates reflects its commitment to civic engagement and the democratic election process while prioritizing the long-term health of its business and considering the diverse perspectives of its stakeholders.
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Target's contributions to political action committees (PACs)
Target engages in political activities through its TargetCitizens PAC, which is funded by voluntary contributions from eligible team members. Target's Leadership Team decides on the financial support of political activities, balancing the interests of the business with those of its team members, guests, shareholders, and other stakeholders.
Target may provide financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC and direct corporate contributions. The TargetCitizens PAC allows eligible team members to voluntarily contribute, while the corporate funds are used when deemed appropriate for advancing issues essential to the business.
Target's contributions are intended to support candidates who understand and promote issues important to the retail industry, such as tax, trade, privacy, sustainability, retail theft, supply chain, and workforce matters. The company also considers an official's support for diversity and inclusion when making political contributions.
In terms of specific contributions, Target has not reported any outside spending in the 2024 election cycle as of February 6, 2025. However, it is important to note that organizations themselves cannot directly contribute to candidates or party committees. Therefore, any figures or data on Target's contributions would include spending by affiliates.
Overall, Target's approach to political engagement involves working with elected officials from various parties to inform them about policies impacting the company's long-term health and stakeholders. The company strives to maintain balance and reflect the diverse perspectives of its extensive team and customer base.
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Frequently asked questions
Target works with elected officials from all political parties, informing them of policies that will impact the company's long-term health and its stakeholders. The company provides financial support to political candidates, parties, or ballot initiatives through two channels: TargetCitizens PAC, funded by voluntary team member contributions, and corporate contributions. Target strives to balance its contributions across parties, reflecting its diverse team and customer base.
Target's decision-making body for financial support of political activities considers the company's business interests and those of its guests, team members, shareholders, and stakeholders. They also assess if the contribution aligns with Target's public policy position and supports issues important to the retail industry, such as tax, trade, privacy, sustainability, and workforce issues.
Yes, Target encourages its team members and guests to exercise their democratic rights and participate in elections. The company has partnered with organizations like Time to Vote and Civic Alliance and provides eligible team members with paid time off to vote and/or serve as election judges. Target supports civic engagement and believes that the right to vote is foundational to democracy.
