Jessica Piper
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Articles by Jessica Piper
Trump's fundraising dominance is masking a long-term problem for Republicans
Republican candidates' struggles with online fundraising have left them more reliant on large donors and super PACs. Trump speak at a campaign event in 2023. His digital operation has continued to fundraise in his second term, while other GOP candidates have struggled. | Michael Wyke/AP 27/10/2026 9:45 AM CET Share Republicans' small-dollar donor base has contracted in recent years, leaving the party more dependent on a tiny group of wealthy megadonors for support.
Trump’s fundraising dominance is masking a long-term problem for Republicans
Republicans' small-dollar donor base has contracted in recent years, leaving the party more dependent on a tiny group of wealthy megadonors for support. The GOP has had a cash advantage all year thanks to a relatively small group of large donors who have funded super PACs — Elon Musk alone has given nearly half a billion dollars this cycle.
Kevin McCarthy Predicts GOP will Lose House Majority
Kevin McCarthy Predicts GOP will Lose House Majority By Mia McCarthy “What are the three things Republicans will do if they win the majority?” the former speaker asked. “I can’t tell you what that is.” Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy predicted Republicans will lose the House in two weeks, citing historical midterm trends while also criticizing the sitting GOP leadership for how they’ve managed the chamber.
Elon Musk pours another $76 million into boosting Republicans
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk gave another $76 million to boost Republicans in the first two weeks of October, bringing his total giving this cycle to more than $442 million. The additional funds, which Musk gave to his super PAC, America PAC, make the group one of the biggest super PACs this cycle. America PAC has already spent tens of millions of dollars on digital advertising, mailers and text messages as it targets competitive House and Senate races across the country.
Senate Democrats’ campaign arm takes out $15M loan
Senate Democrats have taken out a $15 million loan as they hope to expand their map in the final days before the midterms. The partyâs campaign arm took out the loan earlier this month, according to a report submitted Thursday to the Federal Election Commission. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee spent $32 million in the first two weeks of October, with half of those funds going toward coordinated expenditures in 10 states.
Trump's super PAC dumps millions into GOP races, new data shows
President Donald Trump's MAGA Inc. super PAC went from quiet to one of the cycle's biggest spenders in September — and still has massive cash reserves, according to new data released late Tuesday. It spent over $200 million primarily to two affiliates, Safety & Affordability PAC and No Going Back PAC, which respectively received transfers of $25 million and $150 million from MAGA Inc. in September and have gone on to boost GOP candidates. MAGA Inc.
Why Republicans' massive cash advantage is evaporating on the airwaves
Across key Senate battlegrounds, Republicans' cash advantage hasn't led to an equally large amount of advertising time. Texas state Rep. and Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico attends a rally in Houston, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. | Joel Angel Juarez/AP Photo 10/21/2026 5:00 AM EDT Share Republicans are banking on a massive cash edge to help save their majority in Congress. But they are losing much of that advantage in an important arena: broadcast TV ads.
Why Republicans’ massive cash advantage is evaporating on the airwaves
Republicans are banking on a massive cash edge to help save their majority in Congress. But they are losing much of that advantage in an important arena: broadcast TV ads. Republicans have spent $677 million on those ads across 10 key Senate battleground states, compared to $479 million by the Democrats. But the GOP's money isn't going nearly as far because they're more dependent on outside groups that pay much higher rates than candidates.
Trump’s super PAC dumps millions into GOP races, new data shows
Follow Trump’s super PAC dumps millions into GOP races, new data shows Alex Gangitano and Jessica Piper Tue, October 20, 2026 at 10:35 PM EDT Trump’s super PAC dumps millions into GOP races, new data shows President Donald Trump's MAGA Inc. super PAC went from quiet to one of the cycle's biggest spenders in September — and still has massive cash reserves, according to new data released late Tuesday.
NRSC takes on $20M in loans
The loans come as Republican Senate candidates have struggled to fundraise this cycle — and as the party has boasted about its large cash advantage. Senate Republicans' campaign arm took out $20 million in loans in September, a significant cash infusion as the party looks to fight an increasingly challenging map ahead of November's midterm elections. The National Republican Senatorial Committee incurred a $17 million loan on Sep. 1 and another $3 million on Sep.
26 Ideas for Solving the Affordability Crisis
Some smart. Some practical. Some far-fetched or utterly implausible. All on the table. Illustrations by Darya Semenova for POLITICO Nearly one year ago, after Republicans were rejected in a series of state and local elections, Donald Trump expressed a belated recognition of the issue that postmortems were as the primary cause of his side's defeats. “You know they have this new word called affordability, and they don't talk about it enough,” the president the morning after Election Day.
Trump is hitting the campaign trail. But he's missing from GOP ads.
Donald Trump is barnstorming the country to boost Republicans in the final weeks of the midterms. But many candidates want to keep that support quiet. The president is nowhere to be found in GOP ads, even in red states where Republicans were happy to tout his endorsement two years ago. And some candidates are hesitant to appear with Trump on the campaign trail — even as they hope he will help juice turnout among the MAGA base in November.
Trump is hitting the campaign trail. But he's missing from GOP ads.
Republican candidates are avoiding talking about Trump on the airwaves, even in deep-red districts where they used to feature him. President Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally at the Menard Memorial Sports Center on Oct. 13, 2026, in Wasilla, Alaska. President Trump is in Alaska campaigning for Republican candidates ahead of the midterm elections.
Trump is hitting the campaign trail. But he's missing from GOP ads.
Donald Trump is barnstorming the country to boost Republicans in the final weeks of the midterms. But many candidates want to keep that support quiet. The president is nowhere to be found in GOP ads, even in red states where Republicans were happy to tout his endorsement two years ago. And some candidates are hesitant to appear with Trump on the campaign trail — even as they hope he will help juice turnout among the MAGA base in November.
Megadonors are powering Republicans' spending advantage
A handful of megadonors are giving big to try and keep Republicans' midterm hopes alive. Elon Musk gave at least $276 million to boost Republicans in the third quarter, making him by far the largest spender of the cycle. Midwestern shipping magnate Richard Uihlein put $66 million more into a super PAC that has spent in federal and state races across the country, bringing his total giving this cycle past $130 million.
Megadonors are powering Republicans' spending advantage
New FEC filings shed light on how a small group of donors, mostly on the Republican side, have driven record super PAC spending this cycle. Elon Musk is no longer giving out huge prop checks like he did last year in Wisconsin. But through a series of massive donations, he's become by far the largest spender in the midterms. | Jeffrey Phelps/AP 10/16/2026 12:44 AM EDT Share A handful of megadonors are giving big to try and keep Republicans' midterm hopes alive.
Megadonors are powering Republicans’ spending advantage
A handful of megadonors are giving big to try and keep Republicans' midterm hopes alive. Elon Musk gave at least $276 million to boost Republicans in the third quarter, making him by far the largest spender of the cycle. Midwestern shipping magnate Richard Uihlein put $66 million more into a super PAC that has spent in federal and state races across the country, bringing his total giving this cycle past $130 million.
Republicans don't have a clear boogeyman for this year's midterms
Some of Democrats' once-hateable figures are out of the picture. And emerging democratic socialists haven't made for strong lines of attack nationwide. President Joe Biden awards a Presidential Medal of Freedom to Nancy Pelosi on May 3, 2024, in Washington. Both Biden and Pelosi were useful boogeymen for the GOP in past cycles, but less so this year.
Republicans don’t have a clear boogeyman for this year’s midterms
Republicans have tried to find a new boogeyman this year as they rail against Democratic socialism and the "radical" left: Zohran Mamdani. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Bernie Sanders. Still more mentioned than all of them, at least in campaign ads: former President Joe Biden. A POLITICO review of hundreds of ads running in battleground House and Senate races in recent months shows Republicans largely haven't seized on progressive icons in paid media.
‘A game-changer’: House Dems aim for a big majority that could ease Hakeem Jeffries’ headaches
Democrats are making moves to try to secure a big enough House majority to sideline blocs of both progressive and moderate holdouts who could cause constant headaches for Hakeem Jeffries if he becomes speaker next year. Democrats are investing in deep-red districts that could pad a future majority, banking on what appears to be a strong political environment to not just win but win big. That would strengthen Jeffries' hand.
Dems face a cash crunch as they debate how big a gamble to take on red states
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Dems face a cash crunch as they debate how big a gamble to take on red states
Democrats are begging for more money ahead of November. But they're torn over what to do with the limited funds they already have. After months of downplaying their financial concerns, the four Democratic groups most responsible for delivering control of Congress are now issuing public pleas for more donations as Republicans swamp them on the airwaves. And party leaders are grappling with tough choices on which races to spend their limited dollars as campaigns clamor for backup.
GOP ramps up midterms defense in Trump states
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‘We need to stop the contagion’: GOP ramps up midterms defense in Trump states
Republicans are playing defense deep in their own territory as voter anger over price hikes puts more House and Senate seats in play in the midterms. New rounds of big spending, visits from Trump administration officials and private conversations among top GOP officials overseeing the battle for control of Congress reveal a party rushing to shore up red seats and states President Donald Trump won handily in 2024.
Poll: Here’s what really matters for ‘electability’
Voters are perfectly fine supporting candidates who aren't white men. But they do show small preferences for candidates who are younger and Christian, according to new results from The POLITICO Poll. And voters were most likely to penalize transgender candidates in hypothetical matchups, though Democrats were more likely to support them than GOP voters were.
Mullin seeks to win over immigration hardliners with messaging blitz
Official White House and DHS social media accounts, including the DHS chief's, have been mentioning ICE and deportations more frequently as the summer has gone on. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin selects a journalist for questions during a press conference at the US Citizenship and Immigration Services NY field office on September 01, 2026 in New York City. Mullin discussed ‘Operation Rotten Apple,' the recent operation in NY that saw 2,100 arrests. | Michael M.
Mullin seeks to win over immigration hardliners with messaging blitz
Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has launched a PR blitz to save his floundering reputation among immigration hardliners who think he's soft on deportations. So far, it's not working.
Republikańska senatorka krytykuje Trumpa. Chodzi o cła na Kanadę. "Nie docenił"
Jak podkreśla Collins, która urząd senatora z ramienia republikanów sprawuje już od pięciu kadencji, Biały Dom nie rozumie, jak mocno wojna handlowa z Kanadą wpływa na przygraniczny stan Maine. Collins powiedziała serwisowi Politico, że rozmawiała z wiceprezydentem J.D. Vance’em oraz przedstawicielem USA ds. handlu Jamiesonem Greerem na temat eskalacji ceł między obydwoma krajami.
Susan Collins says the White House has ‘underestimated’ impact of Canada tariffs
WINDSOR, Maine — Sen. Susan Collins says the White House doesn’t understand how its trade war with Canada is affecting Maine. The five-term GOP incumbent said she has spoken with JD Vance and Jamieson Greer about the escalating tariffs, which come as Collins faces a heated reelection race in a state that has close economic ties with Canada. But the White House has shown little sign of relenting.
Susan Collins says the White House has 'underestimated' impact of Canada tariffs
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Susan Collins says the White House has ‘underestimated’ impact of Canada tariffs
Follow Susan Collins says the White House has ‘underestimated’ impact of Canada tariffs Tue, September 8, 2026 at 7:19 PM EDT WINDSOR, Maine — Sen. Susan Collins says the White House doesn't understand how its trade war with Canada is affecting Maine.
What's in a name?
Stefany Shaheen says she isn't running on her renowned surname. But her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, still looms over her open House primary in New Hampshire. Nearly $740,000 raised by her campaign came from donors who had previously given to her mother — 39 percent of total itemized campaign dollars, according to a POLITICO analysis.
Will the House of Shaheen survive Tuesday in New Hampshire?
Stefany Shaheen says she isn't running on her renowned surname. But her mother, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, still looms over her open House primary in New Hampshire. Nearly $740,000 raised by her campaign came from donors who had previously given to her mother — 39 percent of total itemized campaign dollars, according to a POLITICO analysis.
Everyone knows Susan Collins. Troy Jackson is still introducing himself.
WINDSOR, Maine — Susan Collins needs no introduction here. The five-term Republican senator received a bit of celebrity treatment on Saturday at the Windsor Fair, a 10-day spectacle that includes livestock shows, amusement rides and rows of booths selling fried foods. Dozens of people stopped Collins as she walked around, flanked by staff and supporters in red t-shirts. Men and women stopped to take photos with her.
AI and crypto groups were among the biggest players in this year's primaries. Here's how they did. Original
Newly created super PACs mostly got their candidates — but also lost some high-profile races. Illustration by Lauren Bulbin/POLITICO (iStock) 09/03/2026 05:30 PM EDT At least one in six members of the next Congress are all but certain to have made it there with the backing of the crypto industry or artificial intelligence interests.
Trump's MAGA Inc. to host first public event in battleground Michigan
Republicans have been eager for the group to start spending its massive war chest ahead of the general election. President Donald Trump's $400-million super PAC is taking its first steps into the general election: hosting a public event in battleground Michigan, headlined by Vice President JD Vance. Battleground Republicans have been clamoring for Trump's MAGA Inc. to spend in competitive races.
The primaries testing Democratic 2028ers
Top Democrats are using 2026 as a launching pad for potential 2028 presidential runs. From progressive Reps. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) to the more moderate Pete Buttigieg and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, Democrats have sought to shape their party by endorsing in contested primaries this year. They've traveled the country to raise their own profiles and elevate candidates they see as the future of the party.
Federal court deals potential blow to Republicans over TV advertising rates
The 4th Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday ruled that political parties are not entitled to lower advertising rates when coordinating with candidates. President Donald Trump is seen speaking from the East Room on a television in the West Wing of the White House, Thursday, July 16, 2026, in Washington.
E&E News: Gas prices were a staple of GOP ads in 2024. Now it’s Democrats’ turn.
ENERGYWIRE | Republicans hammered Democrats on gas prices in 2024. Now, those prices are soaring again — and this time, the roles are reversed. In the 2024 election cycle, 87 percent of ads mentioning gas or gas prices in House and Senate races were run by Republicans, according to a POLITICO analysis of transcripts from AdImpact, the ad tracking firm. This year, roughly two-thirds of ads mentioning gas prices have come from Democratic candidates or groups.
Gas prices were a staple of GOP ads in 2024. Now it’s Democrats’ turn.
Republicans hammered Democrats on gas prices in 2024. Now those prices are soaring again — and this time, the roles are reversed. In the 2024 election cycle, 87 percent of ads mentioning gas or gas prices in House and Senate races were run by Republicans, according to a POLITICO analysis of transcripts from AdImpact, the ad tracking firm. This year, roughly two-thirds of ads mentioning gas prices have come from Democratic candidates or groups.
Gas prices were a staple of GOP ads in 2024. Now it's Democrats' turn.
A POLITICO analysis found a majority of ads mentioning gas prices are from Democrats — a sharp reversal from 2024, when Republican campaigns dominated the topic. Gas prices are displayed electronically at QT gasoline station on Aug. 6 in Greenwood Village, Colorado. | David Zalubowski/AP 08/19/2026 05:00 AM EDT Republicans hammered Democrats on gas prices in 2024. Now those prices are soaring again — and this time, the roles are reversed.
Platner announced as speaker for activist-led event in Maine
He dropped out of Maine's Senate race last month after a woman he dated accused him of sexual assault, an allegation he denied. Graham Platner, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, speaks at a campaign event Friday, June 5, 2026, in Bar Harbor, Maine. | Robert F.
Platner announced as speaker for activist-led event in Maine
Follow Platner announced as speaker for activist-led event in Maine Thu, August 13, 2026 at 12:58 PM EDT Platner announced as speaker for activist-led event in Maine Former Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, who dropped out of the race last month amid sexual assault allegations, was announced as a speaker for a Labor Day event in Ellsworth, Maine, next month.
For Democrats eyeing 2028, today's primaries are another test of endorsement power
A half-dozen potential candidates are involved in Minnesota's Senate primary. Few wanted to touch Wisconsin's governor's race. Hotly contested Democratic primaries in a pair of Upper Midwestern states tonight will test a half dozen Democrats eyeing 2028 presidential bids who have endorsed on opposite sides of key races.
There's a clear split in the Wisconsin and Minnesota races: Education
Highly educated areas backed progressive candidates, while lower-educated ones preferred moderates. The vast majority of Democratic primary results are in across Wisconsin and Minnesota, and they're showing a notable split across educational lines: Progressive candidates are again performing best in highly educated areas, while moderates perform better where voters are less likely to have college degrees.
One takeaway from Tuesday's primaries? TV ads still matter.
Candidates that have skipped TV spending are paying for it at the polls. A key trend has emerged across gubernatorial primaries this year: TV ads still matter. Former MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell lost the Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday in Minnesota despite being endorsed by President Donald Trump, after his campaign spent nothing on TV or digital ads, according to spending data from AdImpact, which tracks political advertising.
Trump-backed candidate in battleground Michigan district loses to opponent who dropped out
World News 3 hours ago An agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is taking shape – but not one Trump wants CNN - Tim Lister • 3h Like shifting winds, plans for the future of the Strait of Hormuz – and their chance of success – change almost daily. US President Donald Trump said an agreement could be reached this week. “It could happen. Tomorrow or the next day,” Trump said Tuesday. “A lot of progress has been made.
Trump-backed candidate in battleground Michigan district loses to opponent who dropped out Original
Amir Hassan lost to Tom Smith, who had suspended his campaign but is now jumping back into the race for the purple 8th District. President Donald Trump listens as Republican congressional candidate Amir Hassan speaks at an event at the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan, on July 27, 2026. | Paul Sancya/AP 08/05/2026 10:33 AM EDT President Donald Trump 's endorsed candidate lost a top battleground Republican primary in Michigan — to a candidate who suspended his campaign last month.
Democrats’ direction-defining primaries in Michigan and Missouri come to head tonight
The Democratic Partyâs fractures will be on full display tonight. Whether they can be remedied will determine how the party does in November and beyond. After months of flaying each other in Michiganâs divisive Senate primary, either Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.) or former public health official Abdul El-Sayed will have just three months to win over the otherâs supporters in order to defeat former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers and help Democratsâ chances of taking back the Senate.
We're seeing a class divide in the Michigan Senate results
El-Sayed is performing better in places with higher incomes and levels of education. Stevens is doing better in more working-class areas. As results continue to come in in Michigan's hotly contested Senate race, there are clear divides emerging based on class. Former public health official Abdul El-Sayed is performing best in the state's wealthiest and most highly educated areas — while Rep.
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