Donald Trump super PAC funds swelled to more than $403 million at the end of July, while MAGA Inc. spent practically nothing as the midterm elections drew closer. The group’s only major outlay so far was a nearly $830,000 get-out-the-vote push in South Carolina.
Dan Eberhart on Trump plans
Dan Eberhart, a Republican donor, said, “Hope springs eternal” as he waited for Trump’s plans. His line captured the gap between what MAGA Inc. has raised and what battleground Republicans have seen spent.
MAGA Inc. brought in another $3 million during July, leaving it with a huge reserve at the end of the month. Trump has kept most of that war chest while continuing to raise money, including at a Republican National Committee fundraiser in Texas last Thursday.
Michigan rally starts spending
Last week, MAGA Inc. said it would hold a series of rallies in battleground states. That effort began Monday in Michigan, where JD Vance appeared at an event paid for by the group.
The South Carolina spending included about $774,000 on get-out-the-vote phone calls and $53,500 on text messages. Outside that one outlay, the group had spent practically nothing by the end of July.
Republicans waiting on cash
Republicans in competitive races are waiting for Trump and MAGA Inc. to move money before the midterm elections, with just over two months left and advertising time getting tighter and more expensive. John Kennedy said on over the weekend, “We need help from the president,” and added, “I’m hoping that the president is going to spend $100 or $200 million in Texas, but he hasn’t committed to it yet.”
Trump also took part in several MAGA Inc. meetings and a dinner at his golf course in Virginia on Saturday. The next question is how much of the $403 million reserve MAGA Inc. will actually put into competitive races before the midterm elections.
