Trump-aligned super PACs and GOP leadership groups are pulling millions in funding from two vulnerable House Republicans just weeks before Election Day. The Congressional Leadership Fund and MAGA Inc. are redirecting cash away from districts represented by Rep. Tom Kean of New Jersey and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa.
These groups are moving $10 million in total to shore up safer seats across the country. This financial shift comes as recent polling data signals the two incumbents face slim chances for re-election.
The Financial Shift
The Congressional Leadership Fund is clawing back $10 million from New Jersey, Iowa, Michigan, and Ohio to aid other Republican incumbents. The group plans to shift these funds to races in Florida, California, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Texas. This move targets districts held by Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Monica De La Cruz, Rob Wittman, and Bill Huizenga.
In a statement, Chris Winkelman, who leads the Congressional Leadership Fund, justified the strategy. Winkelman added that these moves keep the pressure on the most vulnerable Democrats and preserve a path to 218 seats.
Concerns in New Jersey
Rep. Tom Kean represents one of the wealthiest districts in the nation, covering suburbs north of New York City. A source close to Kean’s campaign noted that the race is fully funded down the home stretch. However, the same source noted that Kean’s team and House Republicans’ campaign arm have major reservations on broadcast.
The source explained that Kean’s Democrat opponent, Rebecca Bennett, has no soft dollar reservations on her behalf. Kean won his seat in 2022 by defeating incumbent Rep. Tom Malinowski by less than 10,000 votes.
The Path Forward
Both super PACs are now abandoning efforts to flip Democratic seats in Ohio and Michigan as part of this triage. The Congressional Leadership Fund has confirmed its $10 million reallocation to protect the House majority.
Fox News Power Rankings currently show Democrats with an edge in 219 House seats, enough to clinch a majority. Republicans are projected to keep 198 seats, leaving 19 seats still up in the air.
