While Democrats Fight Themselves, Republicans Build a War Chest | The American Spectator

Following last week’s gubernatorial wins, Democrats are claiming momentum going into the 2026 elections. Yet this optimism ignores stubborn realities: the new Trump Tax Cuts are already fueling larger paychecks, and optimism will build in early 2026 as more taxpayers feel the law’s impact. Add historic fundraising by President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson, a brewing civil war among congressional Democrats, and an American public largely opposed to what national Democrats advocate. Viewed together, these trends suggest a political environment that is still taking shape. (RELATED: The GOP Loss Is Not a Big Deal)

While Democrats maintain a narrow lead in the generic ballot, the margin is smaller than in recent midterm elections, suggesting Republicans remain competitive despite typical headwinds.

Voters themselves tell an even more revealing story. According to Pew Research Center data, 67 percent of Democrat voters are dissatisfied, up from about half in 2021 and 2019. In contrast, only 40 percent of Republicans are frustrated with their party, and 69 percent even say the party makes them feel hopeful.

The signs of unrest were already visible well before the Schumer Shutdown. Data for Progress found that 70 percent of Democrat voters would give their party a C or lower grade for its response to Donald Trump. Notably, 21 percent would have given them an F. Another assessment by Democracy Matters found that working-class voters viewed Democrats as “woke, weak, and out-of-touch,” with 60 percent holding a negative opinion. These voters saw Republicans as symbols of safety and strength. (RELATED: Trump and the GOP Won the Shutdown. Let’s Make Sure Trophies Are Taken.)

Findings like these will only be exacerbated by several Senate Democrats’ recent decision to vote with Senate Republicans to reopen the government. Predictably, Progressives are fuming, and Democrats are in an all-out civil war. Indivisible, a progressive group, launched its largest primary program in history and demanded Sen. Chuck Schumer step aside. Primary challenges from the progressive left would all but guarantee hardline progressives in competitive races, hardly the type of candidates known to attract moderate or independent voters in purplish districts.

Republican incumbents in competitive districts are also showing financial strength where it matters most. For three consecutive quarters, NRCC “Patriots” have outraised the DCCC’s so-called “Frontliners.” In the third quarter of 2025, Republican swing-seat members raised an average of $763,000 and ended the quarter with $2.4 million on hand, compared with Democrats, who raised $664,000 on average and had $1.6 million on hand. That kind of consistent edge signals confidence, discipline, and strength ahead of the midterms.

Speaker Mike Johnson deserves tremendous credit for putting Republicans on solid financial footing heading into 2026. For the third quarter of 2025, the Speaker announced a massive $27.5 million fundraising haul, including $19.4 million to his campaign committees and $8.1 million for individual Republican members and candidates. Since becoming speaker, Johnson has transferred over $26 million to the NRCC, demonstrating his ability to rally donors and unify the conference. His fundraising prowess ensures congressional Republicans will remain competitive down the stretch next year.

At the same time, President Trump’s political committees continue to serve as a fundraising engine for the entire party, channeling record-setting support into key battlegrounds and ensuring the GOP enters 2026 with unmatched resources. Trump and his committees have raised over $2 billion, according to Axios. As one source put it, “[t]he midterms are paid for. He’s been at this since taking office and he’s not stopping.”

Together, Johnson’s leadership and Trump’s national operation have helped drive a historic surge in fundraising. For the first time in a decade, House Republicans have outpaced their Democratic counterparts through the first three quarters of the election cycle. This year, the NRCC has brought in roughly $20 million more than it had at the same stage in 2017 and maintains about $7.5 million more cash on hand. Meanwhile, the DCCC’s numbers are lagging last year’s, indicating declining enthusiasm and a demoralized donor base frustrated with the party’s direction.

Numbers alone won’t secure victory; a clear message and focused approach are needed. Even with all this positive news, Republicans must remain on the offensive, seeking to address voters’ concerns about affordability, inflation, and healthcare while highlighting the historic achievements of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Democrats believe their wins in traditional blue New Jersey and Virginia hint at victory in the midterms, but their far-left agenda remains outside the mainstream of American voters. Republicans’ achievements and fundraising give them a strong chance to succeed next November.

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