DOORDASH CASH: DoorDash has created its own political action committee, moving to expand its already growing Washington influence presence, according to paperwork filed with the Federal Election Commission on Thursday.

— The delivery and takeout company brought on its first federally registered lobbyists in 2020 and has quickly grown its D.C. coterie of lobbying firms. Its influence team now counts a number of big K Street shops among its ranks, including Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld and Cassidy & Associates.

— DoorDash spent $615,000 on lobbying in the first quarter of 2022 alone, targeting, among other issues, matters around the gig economy, competition, and the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, or PRO Act. In March, the company and others launched Flex, an industry association for rideshare and delivery companies, arguing against the reclassification of their workforce as employees instead of independent contractors.

— “We’re looking forward to supporting those who share our values and mission of growing and empowering local economies,” said Campbell Millum, a spokesperson for DoorDash, of the company’s decision to launch a PAC.

— The move to expand the company influence operation is one of several in recent months. It enlisted a prominent antitrust lobbyist earlier this year, as government regulators reportedly probe the industry. DoorDash also registered its in-house team in March. The company’s sole in-house federally registered lobbyist is Carrianna Suiter Kuruvilla, an alum of the Department of Labor under former President Barack Obama.

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