Republican Super PACs Cut Funding for Two House Incumbents

The Congressional Leadership Fund and super PACs aligned with Donald Trump have withdrawn financial support from incumbent Republican Representatives Thomas H. Kean Jr. of New Jersey and Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa. This triage effort follows internal polling that indicated dimming re-election chances for both incumbents. It marks the first time during this cycle that national Republican groups have abandoned incumbents to prevent broader midterm losses.

As part of this strategic shift, the Congressional Leadership Fund is redirecting $10 million from these ceded seats to 16 other districts. These funds will be used to shore up vulnerable Republicans, including Monica De La Cruz of Texas and Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania. This move follows a previous decision to withdraw funds from the open Nebraska seat left by retiring Representative Don Bacon.

Simultaneously, the groups are ceasing efforts to target Democratic Representatives Kristen McDonald Rivet of Michigan and Greg Landsman of Ohio. Chris Winkelman, president of the Congressional Leadership Fund, stated that these maneuvers are intended to preserve a path to 218 seats in the House.