Title: Congressional Leadership Fund Plans to Spend $100 Million Supporting GOP House Candidates in Blue States for 2024 Election Cycle
Subtitle: Republican super PAC aims to create infrastructure for voter outreach in traditionally dominant Democratic states
Date: August 7, 2023
Author: [Author Name]
In an exclusive reveal, CNBC has obtained a strategy memo from the super PAC aligned with Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, suggesting a planned expenditure of at least $100 million in the upcoming 2024 election cycle. The funds will be used to support GOP House candidates in states that were won by President Joe Biden in the 2020 election.
Addressing “Interested Parties” in the memo dated August 7, Congressional Leadership Fund (CLF) president Dan Conston highlighted the importance of the House race in blue states for the success of the Republican Party. Conston emphasized that swing voters in these states differ from those in traditional swing states, requiring the establishment of a specific Republican infrastructure tailored to their needs.
Termed the “Blue State Project,” the CLF’s initiative aims to provide a comprehensive plan to compete in states where one party has historically maintained dominance. The memo emphasizes the necessity to identify key voters, create a voter contact plan, and develop an effective turnout strategy for Election Day.
The challenge faced by House Republicans in blue states is underscored by the fact that the competitive battlegrounds, such as Michigan and Pennsylvania, already possess vast volunteer networks and voter outreach programs established by both parties. Conston stressed the need for Republicans to establish their own infrastructure in these traditionally Democratic strongholds.
Following the 2022 midterms, Republicans currently hold a slim majority in the House, largely attributed to victories in blue states like New York, where they successfully flipped four House seats. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the campaign arm for House Democrats, has targeted these seats for the 2024 election cycle. Additionally, the Democratic rival House Majority PAC has pledged significant investments in New York ($45 million) and California ($35 million).
To uphold these seats in typically Democratic states, the CLF will need to invest in costly media markets for advertising purposes. Conston acknowledges that this endeavor will be financially demanding but crucial for maintaining and potentially expanding the Republicans’ control over the House.
The Cook Political Report’s list of toss-up House seats, which includes the most competitive seats across the country, currently features 13 Republican seats, with four in New York and three in California. In comparison, Democrats currently hold ten toss-up seats, but none of them are located in traditional Republican strongholds.
The CLF spokeswoman stated that the super PAC’s efforts in blue states extend beyond New York and California, with districts in New Jersey, Washington, and Oregon also being targeted.
According to federal election filings, the Congressional Leadership Fund raised over $19 million in the first half of 2023, leaving the group with approximately $17 million on hand. During the 2022 election cycle, the CLF raised a staggering $260 million, indicating significant financial backing for their upcoming initiatives. Top donors this year include Timothy Mellon, who contributed $5 million, and Craig Duchossois, who donated over $2 million.
Commenting on the importance of competing in blue states, Republican fundraiser Ozzie Palomo stressed the need to not only preserve seats in Democratic strongholds but also explore opportunities to gain new seats in order to expand the GOP’s control over the House.
The CLF memo also provides insight into specific districts that the committee and House Republicans consider to have the greatest chance of success. The memo highlights potential “serious pickup opportunities” in the seats currently held by Reps. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Susan Wild (D-Pa.), and Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.). Notably, Slotkin is presently running to replace retiring Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.).
As the 2024 election cycle approaches, it remains to be seen how the Congressional Leadership Fund’s “Blue State Project” will unfold and impact the electoral landscape in traditionally Democratic states.