Palm Beach, Fla. — The 2026 midterm elections are just around the corner, and the pressure is mounting for Republicans to secure their slim majorities in both the House and Senate. An influential ally in this effort is the Club for Growth, a fiscally conservative group known for its substantial support for Republican candidates. In an exclusive interview, Club President David McIntosh shared insights into the stakes of the upcoming elections: “It’s the difference between all the great progress, the jobs, the good economy, turning America around,” he asserted. His words highlight a clear message: the potential return of socialist policies poses a serious threat to the progress achieved in recent years under Republican leadership.
The Club for Growth has been a significant player in Republican politics for over 25 years, advocating for pro-growth and limited-government policies. McIntosh revealed the group’s impressive investment during the 2024 election cycle, where they spent more than $160 million and successfully aided nearly 80% of their candidates. As they gear up for the 2026 elections, the group has set ambitious fundraising goals, aiming to raise $175 million and already securing $65 million from donors. This financial clout will be directed towards Senate races, House contests, governor’s races, and issue advocacy related to recent tax cuts and school choice initiatives.
McIntosh emphasized the vulnerabilities facing the House, where Republicans currently hold a precarious 218–214 majority. “I think the House is the most vulnerable,” he stated, defining his strategy with a direct approach to fundraising. He aims for a robust $40 million fund to support incumbents at risk of losing their seats. A notable challenge for Republicans is the historical trend where the party in power often loses seats in the midterms. Additionally, lower voter turnout among Trump’s supporters could complicate efforts to maintain majorities.
“We’ve got to get the folks who voted for President Trump,” McIntosh said, underscoring the necessity of mobilizing voters who may feel disconnected without Trump’s name on the ballot. To counter this, the Club will focus on reinforcing connections with these voters and driving home the message that their participation is essential. “He wants them to come out. He needs them so he can keep going,” McIntosh conveyed, reaffirming the importance of Trump’s influence in energizing the base.
Economic concerns, particularly inflation, have already taken center stage in the political narrative. For Republicans, addressing affordability remains a top priority. McIntosh argued that Republicans have a plan that could reduce taxes and stimulate economic growth: “But the bigger message is going to be, you can’t let the Democrats back in, because they’ll shut everything down.” This statement reflects the Club’s commitment to framing the midterms as a referendum on economic stability versus a return to what they perceive as failed Democratic policies.
McIntosh maintains confidence in a renewed economic landscape, predicting a comeback by year’s end thanks to the benefits outlined in the Trump tax cuts. “People will say, ‘Yeah, I like the direction we’re going. Things are turned around,’” he noted, suggesting that voters will recognize the positive changes occurring under Republican leadership. However, the political landscape remains contentious, especially with rising oil and gas prices intensifying challenges for Republicans.
Despite internal challenges, the Club for Growth continues to actively engage in GOP primaries, recently backing Rep. Mike Collins in a competitive race against Senator Jon Ossoff in Georgia. McIntosh expressed a clear commitment to support Collins, emphasizing their tactical approach to strengthening the broader Republican effort. “We’re definitely going to be there in Georgia to help Mike Collins win,” he affirmed.
The Club’s recent success story was the notable victory of Texas state Rep. Steve Toth, who defeated incumbent Dan Crenshaw in a GOP primary. This was a calculated effort by the Club, which opted not to boast about its role in Toth’s win to preserve the integrity of the election dynamic. “We don’t need the glory. We don’t need to take credit for it,” McIntosh remarked, reflecting a focus on strategic wins rather than self-aggrandizement.
As the political landscape grows increasingly competitive, the Club for Growth stands poised to play an influential role in shaping the Republicans’ path forward. With clear goals set for fundraising and a focus on economic messaging, McIntosh and his team are determined to safeguard Republican achievements while preparing to counter Democratic efforts at the polls. The upcoming elections will undoubtedly present challenges, but the Club’s longstanding commitment to promoting conservative values positions them as a crucial player in the fight for political power.
"*" indicates required fields
