Super PAC Plans $100M for 2024 – Road To The Election

Last Updated on: 18th June 2024, 09:30 am

**Republicans’ Super PAC Plans to Spend $100 Million in Blue States for 2024 Election**

In a perplexing move that has left many political observers questioning their strategies, the super PAC aligned with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy is gearing up to spend a staggering $100 million in blue states during the upcoming 2024 election cycle. According to a strategy memo obtained by CNBC and committee executives, this massive expenditure is aimed at supporting GOP House candidates in states that were won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.

“In 2024, the House will be won or lost in blue states,” wrote Dan Conston, president of the Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF), in the Aug. 7 memo addressed to “Interested Parties.” This statement reinforces the belief that swing voters in blue states differ from their counterparts in swing states, thereby necessitating a unique approach.

Furthermore, Conston pointed out that the Republican party infrastructure will not be as present in these states as it is in battleground states, where both parties have well-established volunteer networks and extensive experience engaging with voters. Hence, the CLF has developed a plan known as the “Blue State Project” to address this challenge.

To establish their own infrastructure in blue states, House Republicans must identify key voters, build a comprehensive voter contact plan, and create an effective turnout strategy for Election Day, according to Conston. These tasks are notoriously expensive and complex, emphasizing the magnitude of the undertaking.

Despite possessing a slim majority in the House following the 2022 midterms, largely due to victories in blue states like New York, House Republicans face an uphill battle to retain these seats. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for House Democrats, has already earmarked $45 million for New York and $35 million for California, targeting the seats previously flipped by Republicans.

To consolidate their hold on these Biden-won districts in deeply blue states, the CLF will need to invest heavily in advertising across some of the country’s most expensive media markets. Currently, the Cook Political Report’s list of toss-up House seats includes 13 Republican seats, four of which are in New York and three in California. In contrast, Democrats only hold ten toss-up seats, none of which are in traditional Republican strongholds.

However, the CLF’s efforts in blue states extend beyond New York and California. The PAC intends to target districts in New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon, aiming to expand their influence beyond their typical strongholds.

The memo from CLF comes on the heels of their successful fundraising efforts, with over $19 million raised in the first half of the year. With approximately $17 million on hand, they are well-positioned for the latter half of 2023. Their previous election cycle saw them raise an impressive $260 million, further highlighting their financial prowess and determination.

Notably, Timothy Mellon, who contributed $5 million, and Craig Duchossois, with a donation exceeding $2 million, emerged as the top donors during this year. These substantial contributions underscore the significance placed on competing in blue states as a means to maintain and potentially expand the GOP’s control over the House.

Moreover, the CLF memo provides a glimpse into the specific districts that the super PAC and House Republicans consider their best opportunities for success. Notably, Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Susan Wild (D-Pa.), and Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.) are viewed as vulnerable, with the super PAC confident in their ability to seize these seats. Additionally, Slotkin is currently running to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), further bolstering the GOP’s prospects.

As the race for control of the House intensifies, Republicans are making a bold and potentially game-changing move with their plans to invest heavily in blue states for the 2024 election. Only time will tell if this strategy pays off, but it is clear that they perceive an opportunity to capitalize on swing voters and establish their own infrastructure in these typically Democratic strongholds.

Staff
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