But don’t be fooled. AOC and the Democrats are not “moving on” from woke politics as AOC claims, they are simply rebranding it.

This is not a new strategy for the Democrats. During his mayoral campaign, Zohran Mamdani attempted to backtrack comments around defunding the police, and even recently backed AOC’s comments, saying he believed “positions can change.” Ahead of her primary, Wisconsin Democrat Francesca Hong similarly tried to walk back divisive comments she made about cancelling Thanksgiving or her “proximity to whiteness.”

But these Democrats – all self-described socialists – are not actually changing their policy positions. They are changing their messaging strategy, hoping to downplay their extremism long enough to win over voters.

The Left’s new approach is not moderation in any sense of the word, but a reaction to the changing dynamics within the Democrat Party.

Share

Today’s Democrat Party is unpopular, rudderless, and split between the disappearing old guard Democrats like Joe Manchin and the multiplying extreme socialist wing led by figures like AOC and Mamdani. And rather than push back against the socialist left, establishment Democrats are embracing and empowering it. Fearing they could be pushed completely out of their own party, they have made excuses for and even outright supported the most radical policies coming from the far-Left – all under the guise of being a “big tent” party. It’s now mainstream policy for elected Democrats to support open borders, packing the Supreme Court, gender mutilation surgeries, and property confiscation.

The problem for Democrat politicians is that as they shift to the radical Left, not all Democrat voters are following them.

In Michigan, Abdul El-Sayed’s victory was treated as evidence of the strength of the progressive movement. But winning a Democratic primary is not the same thing as uniting Democratic voters. Importantly, Abdul El-Sayed did NOT receive more than 50% of the vote. This means that, despite his victory, more voters in the primary chose someone other than El-Sayed.

In Wisconsin, socialist Francesca Hong came within a fraction of a percentage point of defeating the more “establishment-friendly” Crowley.

After these results, it is hardly surprising to see the party’s socialist leaders trying to walk back some of their past comments – from AOC’s dismissal of “Woke 1.0” to Abdul El-Sayed only finally (and reluctantly), condemning Hasan Piker’s anti-American and vile comments about 9/11.

With the Democrat Party increasingly divided and lacking clear leadership, the socialist wing has taken the opportunity to seize power. But to win at the ballot box, they would need to bridge the divide within the party and win over voters who are focused on kitchen table issues.

By presenting themselves as if they are “moderating,” these Democrats hope to convince voters to hand them the power they need to govern. But their rhetoric should not be confused with a change in their governing philosophy.

AOC, Abdul El-Sayed, Maine’s newly minted Troy Jackson, and others are not suddenly abandoning the radical policies they have spent years championing. They are downplaying them – and in some cases lying to voters – because they know their true agenda remains deeply unpopular.

For these Democrats, it is not about winning over voters on the merits of their policies. It is to say whatever is necessary to win power, and then use that power to pursue a new kind of woke: Woke 2.0.

AOC only refers to the 2018-2023 era as Woke 1.0 because she envisions a Woke 2.0, which would not be less extreme, but more drastic. From Troy Jackson to Abdul El-Sayed and James Talarico, the Democrats are running their most extreme Leftist candidates of all time. Meanwhile, the so-called “moderates” like Roy Cooper in North Carolina, Jon Ossoff in Georgia, and Sherrod Brown in Ohio are quietly embracing these far-Left policies to secure cash and still defending the other candidates who champion them.

As I’ve said before, there is no longer any such thing as a moderate Democrat politician, and that has never been more important to remember than now. The best way to defeat the Left’s extremism is to call it out and reject it at the ballot box in November.

Subscribe now

Democrats have officially nominated a coalition of extremists: Abdul El-Sayed, Troy Jackson, James Talarico, Roy Cooper, Jon Ossoff, and Sherrod Brown. Their candidates push for extreme policies like Medicare For All, abolishing ICE, open borders, and more inflationary government spending. And this is just the beginning.

Most recently, Michigan Democrats nominated Abdul El-Sayed, who invited fellow socialist and extremist Hasan Piker to join him on the campaign trail. Piker has said on camera that “America deserved 9/11” and called the murderous dictator Mao Zedong a “great leader.”

Abdul El-Sayed didn’t campaign with Hasan Piker by accident. He did it because they’re aligned in both ideology and rhetoric. For example, El-Sayed refused to make a statement about the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – a top leader of the largest state sponsor of terror – because “there are a lot of people in Dearborn who are sad.” El-Sayed also opposed Oklahoma’s ban on Sharia law. Not to mention El-Sayed also received campaign funds from a family member with ties to a terrorist funding organization.

El-Sayed’s nomination is just the latest in a string of extremist Democrats who the Left has nominated in key U.S. Senate races.

Share

In Texas, James Talarico has called white men “terrorists” and said he “hates Christianity.” In Georgia, Jon Ossoff has repeatedly voted against protecting women and girls in sports – even though roughly 80% of Americans do not want men in women’s sports. Ossoff also voted against tax cuts and new pro-worker policies like no tax on tips and no tax on overtime. In North Carolina, Democrats nominated Roy Cooper, a former governor who released 3,500 prisoners – allegedly including the murderer who would later kill Iryna Zarutska on the Charlotte light rail.

In Maine, after kicking Graham Platner out of the race, Democrats took the nomination process out of the hands of Maine voters and installed Troy Jackson as the next nominee. Troy Jackson also holds extremist socialist views and advocated to pass the largest tax increase in Maine in several decades – while also legislating Maine’s skyrocketing energy costs into existence. In Ohio, Democrats nominated extremist Sherrod Brown yet again, despite him being fired by Ohio voters only two years ago.

It is clear that, after years of a leadership vacuum, today’s Democratic Party has fully embraced a socialist brand of politics that is out of step with America’s traditions, values, and any sense of reality. The stakes have never been higher to defeat this anti-American extremism once and for all.

Republicans have nominated a strong slate of candidates focused on kitchen-table issues that matter to voters: jobs and the economy, fighting crime, and cutting the corruption, waste, and fraud in government. .

Michigan offers perhaps the clearest example of the choice voters will face this November: a far-left socialist backed by the Democrat Socialists of America, or an Army vet and former FBI agent who is an America First Republican. It is Democrat Abdul El-Sayed vs. Republican Mike Rogers. Rogers is a proven conservative who has put forward common sense solutions on housing affordability and lowering costs.

This election is not just Democrat versus Republican – it is socialism versus solutions. It is crazy versus common sense. Most importantly, it is America Last versus America First. Michigan Republican Mike Rogers put it one way just the other day. He said, “I spent years hunting terrorists and bringing Osama Bin Laden to justice. Never in a million years did I think that I would be running against someone who believes America deserved 9/11.”

Voters cannot sit on the sidelines this year – too much is at stake. Americans, especially in these key battleground states, must use every legal tool at their disposal to vote and make their voices heard and encourage friends and family members to do the same.

There are only 3 months left. Early voting will begin sooner than you think. Make a plan to vote and help your friends and family vote too.

Subscribe now

Now, Maine Democrats are pulling the same stunt Democrats pulled ousting Joe Biden in 2024. They are hosting secretive meetings to decide how they are going to select the next Democrat candidate. The only place where democracy is truly under assault is the Democrat Party.

Some details are yet to be determined, but reports suggest the most likely selection process will be a convention of roughly 100 committee members and 500 individuals representing Maine counties. However, no matter what the final process looks like, Maine Democrats only have two weeks to select a candidate by the July 27 deadline.

Who are the Democrats in the race to replace Graham Platner? More of the same types of radical extremists we’ve seen from the new Democrat Party.

Share

Meet Troy Jackson: He’s backed by the Maine Democratic Socialists and some recent reports allege Jackson threw a bottle at a woman, and even allegedly committed mortgage fraud. He also repeatedly defended Graham Platner’s violent rhetoric and various scandals.

Meet Janet Mills: Maine’s deeply unpopular liberal Governor. She fought tooth and nail to try and force girls to compete against men in sports. And she tried to censure and silence Maine Rep. Laurel Libby for standing up for women and girls in Maine.

Meet Shenna Bellows: Maine’s radical Secretary of State, who just jumped into the race and pledged to push for extremist policies like Medicare for All. She is the same Secretary of State who tried (and failed) to keep President Trump off the ballot in the 2024 Republican primary.

This is just a small sampling of the radical candidates Democrats are putting up in Maine. What they all have in common is a platform of extremist policies that are wrong for Maine and wrong for America.

Platner’s announcement was another step to help clear the pathway for Senator Susan Collins to be re-elected and bring her common sense leadership back to Washington.

But the fight is far from over. Voters must stay active, engaged, and energized to re-elect Senator Collins.

Subscribe now

Happy Independence Day! 250 years ago, 56 brave men signed their “lives,” “fortunes,” and their “sacred honor” to a document that forever changed the course of history.

That solemn pledge was not taken without serious consideration. Extricating themselves from Great Britain – at the time the most powerful empire in the world – was no small feat. They faced the real possibility of being hung, having their property and wealth confiscated, and their names forever disparaged in the annals of history.

If they were successful, if America could succeed in the long term, the cost would be worth it. To succeed, they needed to be brave – of course. They needed to be committed. But more than anything, they needed resilience -- to persevere through adversity, trauma, and significant stress. That word captures our story better than any other.

America has never been defined by a life free from struggle. In fact, our history tells the opposite story. We have endured war, political division, economic hardship, natural disasters, and many moments of uncertainty. Yet, at every turn, Americans have shown an extraordinary ability and resolve to adapt, rebuild, and move forward.

When economic hardship devastated families and communities, Americans rebuilt stronger.

When enemies attacked our nation, Americans stepped up to serve.

When natural disasters struck, Americans showed up for their neighbors.

When moments seemed impossible to overcome, Americans refused to give up. We overcame.

Throughout our history, Americans have never avoided hardships – we’ve met them head on and conquered. America’s resilience is not only showcased in these big moments in history, but also in everyday life.

The Americans who start businesses after setbacks, rebuild homes after storms, volunteer in their communities to help their neighbors through tough times, and raise their children to have hope for a better future. In America, we choose each day to chase the American Dream.

As we celebrate 250 years of America, it is important to remember the resilience of those who came before us and to understand our responsibility to the next generations of Americans.

The Founders knew that freedom was never guaranteed – it was only possible with each generation working to preserve it. As President Ronald Regan famously said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.” Americans must remain steadfast in the face of new challenges and stay committed to protecting the principles our Founders set forth 250 years ago.

The challenges we face today might look a little bit different from 1776, but the qualities needed to succeed are the same: Resilience, courage, perseverance, and confidence that America is always ready to meet the moment.

This Independence Day, let us all remember and pay respect to the past while also looking forward. Let us all remember who we are as Americans: Resilient. Brave. Patriotic.

In Patriotism,

Your SAF Team

Share

Currently, the House Ways and Means Committee is considering the legislation, which would provide much-needed clarity and fairness to tax rules and income characterization surrounding mining and staking. Crypto mining and staking are methods used to help validate transactions and secure blockchain networks. For helping the network operate, participants receive newly created digital tokens as “rewards.”

Under previously implemented Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance, cryptocurrency miners and stakers are generally required to pay income tax on newly created tokens or “rewards” when they receive them, even if they are not sold right away. This effectively taxes unsold assets and can force taxpayers to pay taxes before they have monetized their rewards, creating a tax on “phantom income.” This approach is both unfair to individual taxpayers and a significant burden to the digital asset sector as a whole.

Waiting to tax an asset until it is sold is not a new concept in the federal tax code. For instance, it is common for startup employees to receive incentive stock options (ISOs) as part of their compensation package — this is common for even entry-level employees at many companies. These stock options are an asset of value, but they are not immediately taxed. Instead, the tax is due after the stock options are exercised and the stock is sold. This is very logical — the sale of stock is the cash liquidity event, and some of that cash can then be used to pay the federal tax.

For a more basic example, consider an apple orchard. The owner of the orchard is not taxed when the apples grow on the trees, but rather he pays taxes on the income he derives from selling the apples. For miners and stakers, they are creating new tokens, and similarly, they should only be taxed when the tokens are sold and turned into realized income.

H.R. 9175, introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Carey, provides a simple solution to this problem by establishing clear tax treatment for mining and staking rewards while preserving America’s leadership in blockchain technology.

READ: Solana Policy Institute: Tax Clarity for Staking and Mining

Unfortunately, some have proposed changes to the already bipartisan legislation that would water down the bill and create hidden taxes for America’s innovators. These kinds of changes – whether arbitrary deadlines or mandatory taxation dates – undermine the purpose of the legislation. Even if it is years later, forcing taxpayers to pay taxes on staking rewards before the assets are sold is effectively a tax on unrealized gains. This does not solve the phantom income or liquidity problem; it simply delays it.

READ: Blockchain Association, Crypto Council for Innovation, and The Digital Chamber sent a joint letter to the House Ways & Means Committee

Subscribe now

House Ways and Means has already worked through a reasonable compromise as a bipartisan solution to this issue – and it should stay that way. Anything less would be an unfair penalty on Americans who hold crypto assets and could even begin to drive American innovation offshore.

One of the reasons America leads in innovation is because we have a tax code that encourages people to work for equity and assets, and taxes are typically due only when those assets are sold.

The success of Silicon Valley and our tax treatment of incentivized stock options perfectly illustrates this: founders, innovators, and their employees work for reduced salaries at cash-strapped startups and receive stock options as part of their compensation. In America, the tax is paid when individuals are guaranteed to have money to pay it — which is after the asset is sold.

In contrast, many European countries tax stock options before the underlying stock is sold for cash. This is a real problem for European founders and their employees, as workers often accept stock options in exchange for a salary below market rate. For workers, getting hit with a tax after taking a pay cut and before the stock is sold is too painful to bear. A bad tax structure negatively impacts the ability for new startups to recruit and hire.

America’s tax system is simply better for innovation, and we need to keep it this way.

How ludicrous would it be to tax a small HVAC business for the value of the company before it is sold? Or to tax someone for the value of their antique car before it ever goes to auction? Similarly, it makes sense to tax a crypto asset after it is sold — and not before.

President Trump has spent the last year and a half working with Congress to ensure America remains the crypto capital of the world. Now, our country’s innovators are counting on Congress to pass this legislation in its current form rather than allowing it to be watered down or undermined.

Roughly 1 in 4 Americans currently hold digital assets. This is not a niche issue, but instead one that impacts the entire industry and millions of Americans. Congress must take this tax issue seriously and pass Rep. Mike Carey’s H.R. 9175 without adding burdensome taxes.

Share

There were exciting fights, a lot of knockouts, stunning fireworks, and even a bald eagle as fans kicked off the patriotic celebration.

Among all of the excitement, the Save, Match, Grow team was on the ground talking to Americans about Trump IRAs and handing out brand new merchandise.

Earlier this year, a new initiative was launched in support of President Trump’s “Trump IRA” – new savings plans for American workers similar to a 401k or the Thrift Savings Plan offered to federal employees. These new accounts are designed to offer savings accounts to American workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored savings account.

ICYMI → Save Match Grow: President Trump’s Promise to American Workers

The concept is simple. Eligible American workers can enroll in the accounts, contribute some savings, and the federal government would match up to $1,000 a year in individual contributions. This means workers could save their money and invest in the market, see a match from the federal government, and then, with the power of compound interest, watch their hard-earned wages grow into long-term wealth.

The Save, Match, Grow team handed out hundreds of hats, stickers, and pins to a very enthusiastic crowd of supporters and helped spread the word about a historic policy that has the potential to change the way our country saves and invests.

To help spread the word, Save, Match Grow also deployed mobile billboard trucks with more information about the new policy.

In 2024, Americans voted for President Trump because he promised to offer innovative solutions to problems facing American families and workers. With Trump IRAs, Trump Accounts for kids, and the First Lady’s newest program for foster children, this administration is delivering on that promise.

These policies give every American the opportunity to chase their own American Dream and build long-term wealth and financial stability – and midterm voters are excited about it.

Over the past year, Sentinel Action Fund has spoken with swing voters in key Senate battleground states. Many of these voters have told us these are exactly the type of policies that will help Americans enjoy long-term success.

Read more → Breitbart: Trump Savings Plan for Working Americans a Smash Hit with Swing Voters

With these new policies, President Trump is not only creating a brand new pathway to the American Dream, but he is also setting Republicans up for success during the midterm elections.

To learn more about Save, Match Grow, visit www.SaveMatchGrow.com

You can also:

• Read about the launch of Save, Match, Grow

• Follow @SaveMatchGrow on X

• Read Charles Schwab’s op-ed in The Financial Times.

  Subscribe now

From his Nazi tattoos to allegations of abuse, Platner has a long history of disturbing comments and questionable behavior. He has called rural Maine voters “racist and stupid,” has blamed victims of sexual assault for the crimes committed against them, and has even been exposed for sending multiple women graphic messages on a website known for its use by predators, Kik. He once posted comments online that a U.S. soldier who survived enemy fire “didn’t deserve to live.” Platner’s own former political director even explained in The Washington Post why “Graham Platner is not someone who would be good for Maine or for the country.”

READ → Maine Rep. Laurel Libby explains what’s at stake in Maine | Fox News

His extreme politics are just as troubling. He is a self-proclaimed “communist” who thinks “all” police are bastards.

He has called for dismantling ICE and exposing the personal identities of federal agents, even as they and their families face record high threats. He backs radical Medicare-for-All proposals and, if given the chance, he would be a loyal vote alongside socialists Bernie Sanders and AOC.

Share

Maine Republican Laurel Libby told Fox News:

“We have seen 32 new or increased taxes, we’ve seen all of our overall cost of living increase and so Graham Platner has sprung out of that and is looking to take those same policies to D.C., harming not just Mainers but folks across the country. I think he’s tremendously dangerous, and we can’t have him in the Senate.”

Yet, despite this long list of disqualifying controversies, high-profile Democrats continue to line up behind Platner and make excuses for everything from his Nazi tattoo to his disturbing past comments. This includes Senators Chuck Schumer, Elizabeth Warren, Ruben Gallego, Martin Heinrich, Tina Smith, and Representative Ro Khanna.

Maine was always going to be an important battleground state in 2026, but with Graham Platner as the nominee and Democrats widely supporting him, the stakes just got much higher.

For many Mainers, supporting Senator Collins has always felt like more than simply electing a Senator – it has been about protecting the Republican Senate majority in Washington while also ensuring that Maine has common sense, reasonable leadership.

With Graham Platner as the nominee this year, however, Maine voters’ responsibility is even greater. Supporting Senator Collins is not only about protecting Maine and the U.S. Senate majority. Now, it’s about rejecting the metastasizing extremism that is festering in the Democratic Party.

A Graham Platner victory would not simply put another Democrat in the Senate. It would send a message that these kinds of hateful comments and ideological extremism are acceptable to the American people. It would create a permission structure for other radical Democrats to embrace this broader Left-wing movement that seeks to overthrow the values of Mainers and the rest of the country.

There is a reason Mamdani advisor Morris Katz helped Platner launch and run his campaign – Democrats want to export the New York City socialism to Maine and the rest of the country. Morris Katz, who has his own controversies, helped Platner build his campaign from the ground up and paint him as a “working class Mainer,” despite his privileged upbringing and high-priced education at the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut.

This November, Maine voters have an opportunity to draw a clear line and reject this path. Mainers now have a responsibility to defeat Graham Platner decisively and make the common sense choice for Susan Collins to represent them in Washington.

Subscribe now

But President Trump also made another important promise: to fight for the forgotten men and women of this country, the working-class heroes who are the engine of our economy. President Trump’s introduction of American Dream Accounts is delivering on that promise. These accounts will empower workers to become “bought in,” to become owners in America, and to benefit from America’s Golden Age.

Here’s the problem Trump is solving: Roughly 57 million American workers – nearly half of the U.S. workforce – do not have access to employer-sponsored savings plans like a 401(k). As a result, most of these 57 million workers are not saving and investing — they are not owners of America. Outside of their paycheck, they are not benefiting from the economic growth in America.

American Dream Accounts will encourage workers to become owners in the economy. As the market goes up, they will build wealth and secure their financial future.

On April 30th, President Trump signed an executive order to launch TrumpIRA.gov by 2027 and help workers open their accounts. Workers will be able to invest their own hard earned wages in low-cost index funds while also receiving a federal matching contribution of up to $1,000 a year if they meet certain income requirements.

Once workers enroll in these accounts and start making contributions, the power of compounding growth does most of the work (use our calculator to see the power of compounding). RAND estimates that, under this kind of policy, a 27 year old worker earning $50,000 a year could reach retirement age with more than $1 million in savings. This would be transformational for the American worker.

The fundamentals are as simple as save, match, grow. Workers save earnings regularly, receive an annual $1,000 match, and their investment grows in the market. And workers own their accounts too — if they change jobs, they take it with them.

It’s common sense that the government should reward work, not punish it. American Dream Accounts do just that—they reward work. The match only goes to workers and serves as an important incentive to encourage a habit of saving.

This is not a welfare program or a handout. This is a policy for workers. It is a new way for American workers to invest their own money, build their own long-term wealth, and invest in their own American Dream. It shifts our culture to one of saving, investing, and self-reliance. As more American workers own a stake in the economy, the stronger and more resilient our nation will become.

By building self-reliance, this policy will save our country trillions in taxpayer dollars over time. RAND estimates these accounts could help Medicaid save $2 trillion over 40 years and could massively improve efficiency of other federal assistance programs.

Subscribe now

Not only is this sound policy for American workers and the long-term health of the U.S. economy, but our focus groups also show broad support for this policy with Americans from all backgrounds. (Read more in Breitbart: Trump Savings Plan for Working Americans a Smash Hit with Swing Voters)

As President Trump signed the executive order to create American Dream Accounts, he called on Congress to champion this policy, pass legislation, and incentivize more workers to save and build a strong future.

To build on the policy foundation that has been laid, Save Match Grow is a new campaign to educate the public and to call on Congress to expand the match and increase enrollment. Policy engagement on issues of substance, such as this, brings people into the political process, teaches them to engage with their elected representatives, and helps our nation chart a stronger future. It’s always important to champion wins and reach out to our fellow citizens, especially when there is more work to do.

This is the movement to save the American Dream. Get involved today.

Want to learn more?

1. Read about the launch of Save, Match, Grow

2. Go to SaveMatchGrow.com and follow on X @SaveMatchGrow

3. Charles Schwab is supporting this policy and effort. Read his op-ed in The Financial Times.

   Let your friends know about American Dream Accounts

   Share

In 2024, Sentinel Action Fund backed now-Senator Bernie Moreno, who ousted longtime Democrat extremist Sherrod Brown from his career in the Senate. This year, Sherrod Brown is running against Republican Jon Husted, attempting to come back to Washington despite being fired by Ohio voters only two years ago.

Share

Who is Jon Husted?

Republican Senator Jon Husted was appointed to the U.S. Senate to fill Vice President J.D. Vance’s seat after the 2024 election. Even with just 16 months in the Senate, he has been an ally for the Trump agenda, pushing forward essential nominees, and proven himself as a conservative fighter, taking an active role in pushing for the SAVE Act to establish national voter ID.

Jon Husted has been serving the people of Ohio long before he came to Washington. After being elected to the Ohio House, he quickly rose to serve as Speaker. During this time he fought for fiscal responsibility and led passage of one of the most conservative budgets in Ohio history that cut income taxes and eliminated multiple business taxes. This led to massive economic growth and opportunity. He later served in the Ohio Senate and eventually as the Ohio Secretary of State. While in office he led the charge to help reduce the cost for starting a business in Ohio by 21%. Under his leadership, Ohio quickly became the least costly state in the Midwest for businesses.

Husted knows Ohio, and Ohioans have been well-served by his leadership, ensuring Elections are fair and their votes count. As Secretary of State, he fought tirelessly for election integrity, successfully defending Ohio’s efforts to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat. He advocated for policies which were held up in the 2018 U.S. Supreme Court case Husted v. Randolph Institute – setting up Ohio as the gold standard for voter roll maintenance.

What are his policies?

Senator Husted doesn’t just say the right things, he fights for them.

Most recently, Senator Husted put Democrats on the record for their opposition to common sense voter ID laws. After Senate Democrats claimed they only opposed the SAVE America Act due to their disagreement with other provisions in the legislation, Senator Husted called their bluff. He offered an amendment for a clean voter ID policy that would take basic and common sense steps to ensure the integrity and security of our nation’s elections.

Democrats blocked his amendment and opposed voter ID. Senator Husted successfully exposed their lies and put Democrats on record.

Senator Jon Husted was also instrumental in getting the One Big Beautiful Bill – or the Working Families Tax Cut – passed and signed into law ahead of tax season.

Thanks to Senator Husted’s support of this landmark legislation, Ohioans were able to take advantage of innovative new policies like No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, and No Take on Social Security. In fact, because of this bill (which got ZERO Democrat support), the average Ohio family will save roughly $7,000.

During his time in office, Senator Husted has not stopped working for Ohioans. He has worked to bring opportunity and more jobs for Ohioans, and he’s fought against the waste and abuse of Americans’ taxpayer dollars. He’s also helped return more than $4.5 million back to Ohioans with a robust and efficient constituent casework team.

He has already seen THREE of his bills passed and signed into law. These bills helped make life more affordable for Ohioans by tackling the cost of prescription medication. He has also helped protect the Great Lakes and the fishing industry on Lake Eerie. And he repealed burdensome regulations that made home appliances more expensive — these regulations are a hidden tax on working families.

He has also been a supporter of pro-innovation policies when it comes to digital assets, supporting the GENIUS Act and other policies that put America front and center with innovation. Making sure that America remains the global leader in innovation and jobs, and doesn’t cede this ground to foreign adversaries, like China.

→ READ MORE ABOUT HIS YEAR ONE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: One year of serving Ohioans in the U.S. Senate

Who are the Democrats in the race?

Democrat extremist Sherrod Brown has spent his career turning his back on Ohioans and putting his loyalty to the Democrat Party ahead of what’s best for his state.

Even after being fired by voters in 2024, Sherrod Brown is still vocal with his America Last policies. He voiced his opposition to the tax cuts that put thousands of dollars back in Ohioans’ pockets – and he even said his opposition to this landmark legislation was a reason why he decided to run again in 2026!

While he was in the Senate, Sherrod Brown joined Chuck Schumer and all his other liberal friends to repeatedly vote against border security measures.

Just like all the other radical Senate Democrats, Sherrod Brown would do anything to “resist” President Trump – even if it means turning his back on hardworking Ohioans. Brown is so radical he even supported an AG candidate who threatened to “kill President Trump.”

Sherrod Brown also fought against common sense voter ID laws, even backing a judge who linked this simple election integrity policy to “white supremacy.”

There is no question that Sherrod Brown’s policies are radical – and that’s because he puts himself and his own ambition ahead of the voters. He has always claimed he is a blue-collar American, but that could not be further from the truth. He spends his time rubbing shoulders with coastal elites and taking in millions from woke Hollywood celebrities.

I live in Ohio. How can I get involved?

The first step is to make sure you have a plan to vote. The second step is to talk to all of your friends, family members, and neighbors to make sure they have a plan to support Senator Jon Husted in November (and even before then!)

Keep in touch with Sentinel Action Fund for more opportunities to get involved in Ohio. If you haven’t already, make sure you put your contact information on our website for the most updated information. Visit sentinelactionfund.com.

If you don’t live in Ohio, but want to stay involved, make sure you stay up to date with what we’re doing at Sentinel Action Fund – there are always opportunities to make a difference!

Subscribe now

Here’s what happened:

1. Democrat Leader of the Senate Chuck Schumer said “Our objection as Democrats is not to a photo ID.” Schumer insisted Democrats were just opposed to the other provisions of the SAVE Act.

2. Senator Jon Husted decided to test him and the Democrats and put forward a simple bill to require ID when voting.

3. Senator Husted went to the Senate floor and proposed a bill with ONLY Voter ID in it, and asked for unanimous consent to pass it. If no Senator came forward to oppose the bill, it would be passed by the Senate and go to the House for a vote.

4. Democrats came forward and opposed Senator Husted’s bill. After saying they weren’t opposed to “Voter ID,” Democrats blocked passage of Voter ID — even though it was the ONLY provision in Senator Husted’s bill.

→ WATCH – Senator Husted puts Democrats on the record

Senator Husted, who previously served as Ohio’s Secretary of State, effectively oversaw Ohio’s elections in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018. Put simply, he knows a thing or two about voter ID and election integrity. As Senator Husted put it, “I made my mission clear in that role to make Ohio a place where it is easy to vote and hard to cheat.” And he did just that with Ohio’s common sense voter ID law.

Read Fox News’ article here.

Senator Husted’s voter ID proposal has support from almost all Americans besides Senate Democrats. A February Harvard/Harris poll just found how popular these proposals are among both Republicans and Democrats. It found that:

• 81% favor requiring voter ID — backed by 79% of independents and 70% of Democrats.

• 80% want states to purge non-citizens from voter rolls.

• 75% support proof of citizenship to vote.

• 61% support sharing unredacted voting rolls with the Department of Homeland Security.

  Share

Not only do a majority of Americans support voter ID – a majority of DEMOCRAT voters support voter ID, too. Chuck Schumer and his fellow Democrats aren’t even representing the average Democrat voter with their opposition to this common sense policy.

Senator Husted has been fighting for election integrity for over a decade, and he has not stopped since he came to the U.S. Senate last year.

As we saw in 2024, Ohio is a key state for our Republican Senate majority. After being appointed to fill the vacant Ohio senate seat due to J.D. Vance being elected Vice President, Senator Jon Husted is up for election this November.

It is critically important that Republicans stay behind a conservative warrior like Senator Husted – especially as he runs against the Left-wing extremist, Sherrod Brown. If he was in office, Sherrod Brown would stand alongside his fellow Democrats in opposing the SAVE Act and other election integrity measures. In fact, when he was in office, Sherrod Brown even introduced legislation to BLOCK states from purging their voter rolls of inactive voters.

In 2011, Brown joined over a dozen Senate Democrats in sending a letter to the Obama DOJ asking them to fight against voter ID laws in states like Ohio. It is obvious he is on the wrong side of this 80-20 issue and he would vote against election integrity if he had another chance to do just that.

Senator Jon Husted has proven he will fight for common sense measures like voter ID, and he will continue to do so during his time in the Senate. Republicans are united behind him and ready to send Sherrod Brown home once and for all. Keep in touch with Sentinel Action Fund for more ways you can support pro-voter ID candidates like Jon Husted. Our future elections depend on it!

Subscribe now

In Case you Missed It

We’re fighting to grow the Senate Majority. Last week, Sentinel Action Fund announced a $15 Million+ spend to elect Republican Mike Rogers to the Senate in Michigan.

Along with this endorsement and spend, there is a brand new website that will help Michiganders register to vote and ensure they know the tools they have to make their voices heard. From early vote to Election Day, it’s easy for Michigan to vote!

→ ICYMI – Visit www.mi.vote for voting resources and information!

Share

This race is a prime pickup opportunity for Republicans in 2026 to grow the Senate, and Mike Rogers is the perfect Trump-backed, America First conservative who can deliver a victory in November.

Who is Mike Rogers?

Mike Rogers has spent his entire career serving others. Immediately after graduating from school, he began his service as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army. After his service in the military, he became a Special Agent in the FBI with a focus on taking down organized crime and public corruption in Chicago.

This later led him to serve as a State Senator in Michigan, where he wrote the legislation that created Michigan’s 529 College Savings Program. He also fought to reduce regulations, help small businesses, and support Michigan’s law enforcement.

After his time serving at the state legislature, he served in Washington, D.C. where he continued to fight to make life more affordable and prosperous in Michigan. He helped to eliminate federal taxes on education savings plans, reduce federal regulations, and he was a key voice in working to secure American energy independence.

What are his policies?

Mike Rogers has always fought for policies that are pro-small business, pro-family, pro-innovation, and pro-energy independence. Backed by these principles he’s focused on affordability and opportunity, and now, he’s taken to the campaign trail with new solutions to move Michigan forward:

Just recently, he launched a new “Let’s Get to Work!” series where he travels across Michigan to talk to workers and families about affordability and how they are benefitting from the Working Families Tax Cuts.

He also released a plan to tackle one of the biggest issues Michiganders care about: housing affordability. His plan includes a way to help families by expanding 529 savings plans and allowing them to be used for a down payment on a house. This means early (and tax-free) savings. Secondly, his plan allows families to build credit by paying rent on time, leading to lower interest rates and lower monthly payments. His plan would tackle home prices by cutting regulations and red tape. Finally, his plan would encourage new construction and homebuilding with 100% tax-free housing zones for new houses to be built.

This is only a small sampling of the solutions Mike Rogers brings to the table to strengthen Michigan and our nation.

Subscribe now

Who are the Democrats in the race?

While Mike Rogers has been focused on making life better and more affordable for Michiganders, his Democrat opponents have been fighting against each other in a chaotic and extreme primary race. Through this, they’ve exposed just how radical and out of touch their priorities would be if elected.

Meet Mallory McMorrow: A radical Democrat who said she wanted to throw beers at Supreme Court Justices. She’s accused Israel of genocide. She called illegal aliens “constituents,” and fundraised to help illegals avoid deportation. She also fundraised for various other radical Left-wing organizations, including one with the goal to “shrink the reliance and power of the police.” One of her top strategists has celebrated New York City’s radical mayor Mamdani, and backs the extremist James Talarico in Texas. And one of her fundraisers also honored a Nazi military veteran on social media.

Meet Haley Stevens: Another radical Democrat you probably remember from her unhinged rant on the U.S. House floor. She also voted last year to shut down the government, putting her own political agenda ahead of what’s best for Michiganders, and she voted AGAINST the Working Families Tax Cuts and the benefits that have allowed typical Michigan families with two children to see higher take-home pay of about $7,000 to $9,900. She filed articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary RFK, Jr. – proving she is nothing but an obstructionist in the House and would be nothing short of a Trump-hating obstructionist in the Senate.

Meet Abdul El-Sayed: He is a Medicare For All socialist, who has previously called for commuting life sentences for some of Michigan’s most violent killers. He’s criticized brave ICE officers. Though he’s tried to hide his radicalism by deleting previous anti-police social media posts, nothing can hide the fact that he has a long anti-law enforcement history and helped lead an anti-police group. When talking about President Trump and Republicans, Abdul El-Sayed said, “When they go low, we don’t go high. We take them to the mud and choke them out.” He also compared Oklahoma’s move to ban Sharia law to the Trail of Tears. He said, “You can’t understand a Sharia ban without understanding the Trail of Tears. You cannot understand the challenges we face today without understanding white supremacy.”

Last year, Sentinel Action Fund’s polling found that Mike Rogers leads in head-to-head match ups with each of these extremists. And the Democrats’ chaotic primary is depleting their financial resources and only serving to highlight just how out-of-touch they are with Michiganders. But that does not mean our work is done.

I live in Michigan. How can I get involved?

The first step is to visit www.mi.vote and make sure you have a plan to vote. The second step is to send this website and information to all your friends in Michigan.

Share

By staying engaged early, you can help Mike Rogers deliver a victory for Michigan. It is important to start talking to your family, friends, and neighbors now to make sure they have a plan to vote – and they know what’s at stake.

If you don’t live in Michigan, but want to stay involved, make sure you stay up to date with what we’re doing at Sentinel Action Fund.

As a country, we have already made significant progress in reversing the Biden-era policies that were failing families and workers. Inflation is cooling. Americans are getting record high tax refunds thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts. The border has been secured. Illegal criminal aliens are being deported out of our neighborhoods.

However, there is still more work to be done. To fully implement President Trump’s America First agenda, Republicans need to ensure that he continues to have strong partners and reliable majorities in Congress. To do that, Republicans are energizing the 2024 coalition to replicate our victory again this November.

Subscribe now

Sentinel Action Fund went directly to swing voters in key battleground states to find out how to do just this. In case you missed it, I penned an op-ed in the Daily Caller with our findings.

Here is what voters told us:

[L]ow-propensity Trump voters continue to be behind Trump’s agenda, and they remain optimistic to support Republican candidates who will continue the progress this administration has made over the past year. They want a functioning Congress that will work collaboratively with Trump — not an obstructionist minority that will waste time with impeachment trials and squander this opportunity to save America.

Both groups of voters believe the Trump administration is still just starting a four-year turn-around for America. They back Trump’s long-term vision for America; a strong nation with secure borders that is an economic and industrial powerhouse — more jobs for Americans and less dependence on adversaries like China. As voters express approval for Trump’s policies, they also acknowledge the continued hardships created by Biden’s long term economic failures: unaffordable housing, stagnant wage growth, and higher prices.

Most voters understand that it is going to take more than one year to dig out of the hole created by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, but they are excited to see more of the innovative Trump-era policies that put money directly into their pockets. And they are hearing about these policies directly from the Republican Senate candidates themselves.

Most voters are tired of the obstructionist Democrats, who will put their hatred of President Trump and Republicans ahead of doing what’s best for the country. Voters understand that electing Democrats just means more of the same impeachment nonsense that the Democrats have been pushing for years.

For Republicans, the playbook for the next 8 months is crystal clear. Republicans are laser focused on the economy and what they have already done to put money back into voters’ pockets. Candidates have their own voices and are leading the charge to tell voters directly what they are going to do to build on the progress of the last year.

Owning the economy and showing just how radical the Democrats are is a winning combination for Republican candidates.

Voters know this has been a historic year and there is more progress to come. As Republicans continue to remind voters of their policies and talk about the road ahead, the GOP will prove to have earned the voters’ trust for another victory this year.

Make sure to read my full op-ed in the Daily Caller here.

Share

While President Trump is not on the ballot this November, his policies certainly are. As we saw on Tuesday night, the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress are not wasting any time to deliver on the issues that matter most to voters, particularly when it comes to the economy.

But even as Republicans continue to win on the issues, we are also already gearing up to mobilize voters to turn out in November. Directly following President Trump’s State of the Union Address, Sentinel Action Fund put out a commercial on Fox News Channel which launched a brand new, one-stop voter registration website. This website allows Americans to register to vote or update their information as needed – all within a conservative ecosystem.

By pairing ownership of the big issues like the economy with a strong ground game and campaign infrastructure, Republicans have the playbook to win.

Keep watching some key pieces from our interview, and check out the commercial in case you missed it!

READ MORE IN FOX NEWS: Conservative super PAC drops six-figure ad buy in major move to defend Trump’s trifecta

After a year of monumental wins, President Trump has proven what is possible with strong Republican leadership at the White House and in Congress. Through the Working Families Tax Cuts, DOGE, and other transformative economic policies, this administration and the Republican-led Congress have made incredible progress to reverse Biden-era failures.

Inflation has slowed, wages are growing, and American homebuyers are gaining purchasing power. Congressional Republicans have passed the largest middle-class tax relief package ever, and pushed policies like no tax on tips and overtime. President Trump has developed innovative economic solutions, like Trump Accounts for the next generation, TrumpRx to lower health care costs, and he signed the GENIUS Act into law to bring our payment systems into the 21st century.

Share

With the Republican “trifecta” (Presidency, House, and Senate), President Trump has been able to follow through on his promises to the American people. He secured the border on day one, got crime out of our communities, protected women and girls in sports, and made sure America is once again respected on the world stage.

In 2026, it is up to the voters to stay engaged, mobilize, and ensure President Trump continues to have strong partners in the Senate and House. Sentinel Action Fund’s voter registration tool is designed to help them do just that.

Gone are the days where Americans have to toggle between different state websites to check their registration status. Now, our national voter registration page allows Americans to easily check their voter registration status and quickly register to vote.

Make sure you tune in tonight to hear President Trump talk about not only the wins of the past year, but also where we are going next. This is a historic day for America! After his speech concludes, make sure you keep watching Fox News Channel to see our major new ad air live, which features Senator Bill Hagerty, and outlines how this new voter registration tool empowers Americans to continue the fight alongside President Trump.

And make sure you don’t miss the article from Fox News this morning here.

Subscribe now

Thanks to the Trump administration and majorities in both chambers of Congress, we’ve seen historic victories. The southern border is secure. Crime is down across the board. America is finally respected on the world stage.

And our economy is beginning to thrive. Inflation is cooling and wages are rising. Biden brought 4 years of economic ruin. In just one year, President Trump has done a lot to right the ship.

Since taking office, President Trump and Republicans have given voters real reasons to be optimistic about America’s economic future through short-term and long-term policies.

WATCH: Even CNN admits President Trump is making America affordable again!

In President Trump’s first year, we saw some immediate relief: lower gas prices, lower egg prices, and we have an upcoming tax season during which we expect to see historically large refunds. In Congress, Republicans also pushed the largest middle-class tax relief package ever, as well as no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security.

Americans’ quality of life has improved due to the administration’s unwavering commitment to crack down on illegal immigration. This created more jobs and more security – and it led to less waste of public resources and taxpayer dollars on those who shouldn’t be in the country in the first place.

President Trump and Republicans have also begun to tackle long-term solutions to healthcare costs. Thanks to TrumpRx, American patients now see massively reduced prices on drugs that treat several costly and chronic conditions. And, Trump’s Working Families Tax Cut expanded eligibility for millions of Americans to access HSA accounts. This means more savings and more choice.

Share

In just a year, Republicans have once again unleashed American energy and innovation. By reversing Biden-era drilling restrictions, approving new permits to drill for oil and gas, and reopening hundreds of millions of acres to oil, gas, and coal production, the Trump administration has achieved record domestic oil and natural gas production. America is also once again investing in safe and affordable nuclear energy. To support consumer choice, this administration has also eliminated unnecessary regulations on everyday items like shower heads, toilets, and washing machines.

On the campaign trail, President Trump promised that America would be the world leader in crypto innovation and we would not cede leadership in this new technology to China. Under the Biden admin, American crypto companies were almost regulated out of business by unelected bureaucrats who sought to stifle innovation. But under Trump’s leadership, Republicans in Congress passed the GENIUS Act to provide a regulatory framework so entrepreneurs could focus on growing their businesses and expanding services to consumers. Crypto offers Americans another way to save money via lower transaction fees than many traditional banking services.

Looking ahead, President Trump’s economic agenda will continue to focus on deregulation, tax cuts, and permanent cuts to federal waste. For working class Americans, initiatives like tax-advantaged savings accounts for newborns (“Trump Accounts”) help parents set their children up for success once they turn 18. Supplemental retirement plans can also help American workers left behind from failing pensions and out-of-reach Social Security.

After years of economic downturn, Americans are finally seeing relief and more money in our pockets. But this is only the beginning of President Trump and Republicans’ fight to solve the Left-wing policy failures of the past.

WATCH: Karoline Leavitt outlines how President Trump’s policies are helping American families

This administration has made historic progress on the economy, and so many of these wins were made possible because of strong majorities in the Senate and the House working together to deliver results. As we officially enter the midterms, we should all remember that growing the Senate majority would lead to even more wins for American families, workers, and retirees.

Subscribe now

As Trump administration officials outlined last week, Trump Accounts are set to give every enrolled American child born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028, a $1,000 investment from the U.S. Treasury. This deposit goes directly into a tax-advantaged account that grows over time and gives young Americans a head start long before they even open their first checking accounts or apply for their first jobs.

Why fund the account with $1,000 from the U.S. Treasury? It’s an important “nudge” to encourage all parents to open a Trump Account for their children and help young Americans take the first step on a financial journey of saving and investing.

While further contributions are not necessary, it is certainly the hope that family, friends, and even employers would continue contributing — up to a combined $5,000 per year per child. As children get older, they can learn to save and contribute too, gaining financial literacy, and developing a habit for success in life.

This will be transformative for the next generation. Today, Americans ages 60-64 have an average of about $246,500 saved in 401(k) accounts, according to Fidelity. A recent analysis from LendingTree alarmingly found that roughly 97% of retirement-age adults have an average of $11,349 in non-mortgage debt, with credit card debt being the most common type of debt among seniors.

Get more details at trumpaccounts.gov

With Trump Accounts, the next generation of Americans will have the opportunity to embrace a new culture of saving and investing, and begin saving from birth. Because the funds are invested, the power of compound growth does most of the work and gives children a head start in pursuing the American Dream. Estimates suggest deposits could grow to $300,000 by the child’s 18th birthday, or it could grow to over $600,000 by the age of retirement. This puts young Americans on the track to far surpass today’s retirement levels, even before taking into account other personal savings and investments.

Tax cuts, deregulation, and cutting government spending are all important pieces to President Trump’s broader agenda – and he’s already seen incredible progress to rightsize the economy after years of economic uncertainty driven by Biden-era policies and inflation. Trump Accounts mark an innovative part of Republicans’ economic agenda.

This policy is an investment in the opportunity of tomorrow. Once these young Americans turn 18, they can access funds without penalty for certain expenses, like education, buying their first home, or starting a business. By the time young Americans reach adulthood, they are not starting from scratch. Instead, they already have the resources to pursue every aspect of the American Dream – regardless of their parents’ financial situation.

By implementing this policy, President Trump and Republicans are laying the groundwork for generational change in how Americans save and invest. When the culture of saving and investing becomes mainstream, it benefits everyone, not just those Americans born in the Trump Accounts window. With citizens of all ages invested in the market, they become stakeholders in the country’s success as partners in building America’s next Golden Age, with a tangible stake in its future.

Trump Accounts are exactly the type of innovation we all voted for in 2024, and they are a key piece of the affordability agenda that will keep voters engaged and mobilized ahead of the midterms. Voters across the country put their trust in President Trump and Republicans to deliver paradigm-shifting policies. That’s exactly what policies like Trump Accounts deliver.

At Sentinel Action Fund, we just released some new data and analysis that shows Republican Mike Rogers has strong advantages heading into the 2026 race in this key battleground state.

It is not only that voters are with Mike Rogers on the issues and prefer him to the radical Democrat candidates, but also the entire landscape is shifting to favor Republicans at the Senate level and down the ballot.

A Bruising Democrat Primary

Michigan Democrats are currently locked in a nasty primary as candidates try to prove who is most out-of-touch with Michiganders. As they spend time and money attacking each other, they are losing voters’ trust and draining their campaign coffers – leaving them financially and politically vulnerable heading into the general election.

Meanwhile, Republican Mike Rogers is building momentum and engaging with voters who tell us they are excited to make a change in Michigan next year.

In fact, Sentinel Action Fund released data that shows Michigan likely voters are favoring Mike Rogers over all three Democratic candidates – and by HUGE margins. Here’s exactly what we found:

Share

Public polling shows the same trends in these match-ups. A recent Rosetta Stone poll from October showed Rogers ahead of Stevens 47%-40% with 12% undecided, ahead of McMorrow 46%-39% with 15% undecided, and ahead of El-Sayed 45%-31% with 24% undecided.

A messy Democratic primary will only shorten their runway, bleed resources, and drive up their negatives. When Democrats emerge broke and bruised in August, Republicans will have a prime opportunity to set the narrative and define their nominee before the Left can regroup.

Share

Winning on the Issues

Our analysis also found that, while Democrats are flailing, Mike Rogers and Republicans are still trusted by voters when it comes to the top issues they care about.

Similar to 2024, jobs and the economy are top of mind for Michigan voters. Immigration and crime are not far behind. Sentinel Action Fund data shows that, among the 2026 electorate, Republicans still lead on these critical issues.

• On economy and jobs, the GOP has a +7 edge over Democrats.

• Immigration is the Republicans’ strongest issue with a double digit advantage as high as +16.

• Republicans see another double digit lead in crime and public safety with margins as high as +14.

On top of that, Mike Rogers also does not have a primary opponent. So while the Democrats fight with each other, he and Republicans can continue to drive these messages home with voters.

The Road Ahead

These incredible numbers are encouraging, and should get Republicans excited about a pick up opportunity in Michigan next year.

But, as always, voter turnout will make all the difference. The more 2026 Republican turnout resembles 2024, the better we will perform on the ballot. This means that our focus heading into next year must be to talk to friends and neighbors and do everything possible to get the 2024 voters to show up again for Rogers and Republicans in the midterms.

President Trump himself might not be on the ballot, but electing Mike Rogers and Republicans will ensure that President Trump has the conservative allies he needs to carry out even more of his America First agenda.

We need to keep talking about the issues, pointing out the extremism on the Left, and reminding voters of everything Republicans and President Trump have been able to accomplish in just one year.

This is not the time to sit on the sidelines – it is the time to work even harder than we did last year. If Republicans can stick to a strong strategy and disciplined messaging while utilizing a robust grassroots network, this seat can be a GOP flip.

Subscribe now

44 days ago, Democrats began this shutdown, opposing funding levels though a continuing resolution (CR) they previously supported 13 times under President Biden. Their initial demands included taxpayer funds for illegal aliens and it quickly became clear this shutdown was a political stunt to help Chuck Schumer avoid a primary challenger from the Left.

In July, Republicans cut off taxpayer-funded health care for illegal aliens with the One Big Beautiful Bill — watch JD Vance explain it — but illegal aliens were receiving free health care via Medicaid and through hospital services. In September, Democrats refused to vote for any government funding bill that did not return taxpayer funding for illegal immigrants.

For the Democrats, it apparently didn’t matter that essential federal workers went without paychecks. It didn’t matter that foster care programs were losing resources or veterans’ programs were being cut back. In fact, some even protested the Trump administration’s efforts to ensure U.S. troops were paid. Democrats in Congress voted 15 times to keep the government shut down, all because the funding bill did not bring back taxpayer handouts for illegal aliens.

Senate and House Democrats were not shy about their strategy to inflict pain for political gain. Chuck Schumer famously said, “every day gets better for us.” Representative Katherine Clark – a member of Democratic leadership in the House – said, “Of course there will be families that are going to suffer... but it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Now, at the end of the shutdown, despite using suffering American families as “leverage,” it appears that Democrats failed to accomplish any of their goals.

2026 battleground Senate Democrat Jon Ossoff voted against the deal to reopen the government, reaffirming his loyalty to the radical parts of the Democratic Party, and 2026 Senate hopeful Roy Cooper all but admitted he would have done the same.

Though it took over 40 days – and conveniently after last week’s elections – 8 Senate Democrats finally came to their senses and joined with Senate Republicans to help reopen the federal government.

Subscribe now

What Comes Next

The current package is a three-bill “minibus” that funds the Department of Agriculture, FDA, Veterans Affairs, military construction, and congressional operations for the fiscal year. Every other agency will be funded until January 30, meaning that the appropriations process is not yet finished. Democrats will also continue to push for a vote on Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies set to expire at the end of the year.

Meanwhile, the 2026 midterm elections are getting closer each day. As Democrats focus their messaging around the ACA, Republicans must stay focused on delivering a clear and disciplined message on affordability – when it comes to health care and everyday life.

We should remind voters why it’s called Obamacare in the first place as it harkens back to the original authors of our failing health care system—Obama and the Democrat Party. The first lie of Obamacare was “if you like your health care plan, you can keep it.” Politifact named this failed promise from Obama as their 2013 “Lie of the year.” Now that families have lost their previous health care plans and been forced onto the Obamacare exchanges, they’ve learned the second big lie: it’s not affordable!

Through the ACA, Democrats created the problems we see today with health care, and they’ve done nothing to fix it since. They would rather subsidize the problem than solve it. In essence, they want to hide the true costs of Obamacare, hiding the truth from all Americans.

Similarly to health care, Democrats’ tax, regulation, and free-handout policies drove up prices throughout the economy. With a bloated bureaucracy and out-of-control federal spending, Democrats skyrocketed inflation and created the economic problems President Trump and Republicans are working to fix.

Republicans already took a major step to improve health care for Americans in 2025 — with the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB), they protected Medicare from becoming insolvent and cut off funding for illegal aliens. The working class tax cuts in this bill also helps families alleviate some of the continued pain they feel from Bidenflation.

Through executive action and legislation, President Trump and Congressional Republicans have worked all year and secured our border. This is a first step in returning jobs to Americans and improving the average working wage. Enforcing our immigration laws decreases the pressure on housing while reducing crime, which makes more neighborhoods family-friendly.

Safe neighborhoods are a key ingredient for strong families and successful businesses, and so President Trump has deployed the National Guard to several cities in an effort to reduce crime and by extension, promote economic growth. One of the best things the government can do to promote the well-being of Americans is to enforce law and order — at its core, protecting individual liberty and property rights IS the role of the government.

This government shutdown shows just how important it is for Republicans to grow their Senate majority, send politicians like Jon Ossoff home, and prevent radicals like Roy Cooper from taking office. A party that is willing to see American families suffer just to accomplish a political goal should not be trusted with more power in Congress.

Remember, Donald Trump won 31 states in 2024 — giving us the first roadmap to securing a 60 seat Senate majority. In 2026, we can pick up additional Senate seats in Georgia, Michigan, and New Hampshire. Followed by additional pick-up opportunities in 2028!

With 60 Senators, Republicans can do a whole lot more than just keep the government funded.

Share

In case you missed it:

Yes, there are definitely some lessons learned and things Republicans can apply in 2026. Republicans increased our overall participation and continued to build on the progress we made last year to get voters to the polls early, by mail, and on Election Day. Tuesday night gave further evidence that these tools must be part of a winning strategy for the midterms.

The results also showed that the economy is still front and center for most Americans. In the gubernatorial races, Republican candidates did not have the opportunity that 2026 congressional candidates will have to connect with voters on the big, beautiful bill and tax cuts which improved Americans’ lives. Heading into 2026, Republican officials need to continue building a positive economic record and drive a disciplined and clear message on affordability.

Every election is a new opportunity and each campaign must be approached with a renewed spirit and tailored strategy. This is true even of races in the same election cycle. Despite the disappointing losses, Republicans should not give in to fear-mongering. Any narratives about Virginia, New York, and New Jersey should not limit our thinking on how to win in 2026.

For perspective, Virginia, New York, and New Jersey are not states that Donald Trump has ever won. They are also not Senate battleground states (which are the races Sentinel Action Fund is most focused on). Here’s the history:

• Virginia last elected a Republican Senator in 2000.

• New York last elected a Republican Senator in 1992.

• New Jersey last elected a Republican Senator in 1972.

Look at 2018 — people predicted doom but Republicans fared well, winning Florida when it was still a swing state (Rick Scott won by 10,033 votes); and in Texas, Ted Cruz beat back a well-funded challenge by Beto O’Rourke. Republicans also unseated three Democrat incumbents in Trump-won states: Joe Donnelly in Indiana, Claire McCaskill in Missouri, and Heidi Heitkamp in North Dakota.

Just like in 2018, there are several opportunities in 2026 for Republicans to pick up Senate seats in states that Trump won (without Trump actually being on the ballot!). Republicans can do this by taking action on what was learned this election.

Subscribe now

Three takeaways from Election night 2025 — to win, Republicans should remember these lessons in 2026:

1. Republicans are increasing — not decreasing — their use of early voting. In the blue state of New Jersey, we have seen expanded in-person early voting, and GOP participation in early and absentee voting is up 123% from 2021. Republican absentee ballot returns are up almost 200% from 2022, which is dramatically outpacing Democrats’ growth (+67%). This increase in early voting lifted Ciattarelli above his 2021 performance. Ciattarelli received 122,000 more votes in 2025 than he did in 2021, but Democrat turnout was simply higher still.

In Virginia, total absentee ballots are up +19.8% from 2021, reaching about 1.43 million statewide. Modeled GOP absentee participation increased +32.1%, outpacing modeled DEM growth (+11.6%).

Across the country, we are seeing an increase in early voting where it is legal. An increase in early voting is the proven difference maker in battleground states and, done right, can be part of a long-term turn around strategy in a blue state over time.

2. The cost of living. Affordability and the economy continue to be top of mind for voters across the country. Unfortunately, Republican candidates this cycle could not directly point to being part of President Trump’s economic victories since they are not federal officials. They could not run on the big beautiful bill and tax cuts. Building on economic progress and showing a plan for affordability should be a top priority for Republicans in 2026.

This is really an opportunity for all of us. Tax season is coming up — every time someone talks about getting a bigger refund, remind them it’s because Republicans control Congress, and we need to keep the majority! No Tax on Tips, No Tax on Overtime, No Tax on Social Security; these are Republican policies.

3. Democrats embraced the far-Left, not the middle. From Zohran Mamdani to Jay Jones, Democrats failed to reject extremism in ideology and rhetoric. Instead, Democrats proved their party will continue to push an extreme agenda (socialism, open borders etc). Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Mamdani over Cuomo — a true bending of the knee. In many ways, we learned more about the future of the Democrat party on Tuesday night than we did about Republican get out the vote efforts.

It is important to remember that the Left’s war against President Trump will be on the ballot in 2026 – just like it was in 2024. In the Senate battlegrounds — which Trump won — Democrat candidates are calling for impeachment. In Georgia, Senator Jon Ossoff has already raised millions off his promise to vote to remove Trump. In Michigan, Haley Stevens has already twice voted to impeach Donald Trump. In North Carolina, Roy Cooper previously called for Trump’s removal.

2026 — Republicans are well-positioned:

We cannot forget how elections are won: good candidates, good messaging, and a good turnout strategy. What makes a candidate good is often their focus on the latter two. In 2024, Trump focused on the voter. He talked about the issues they wanted to talk about. He also talked about early voting, telling voters to “bank their vote” and to “swamp the vote.”

The midterms were always going to be a battle over who controls the government — Trump and Republicans or obstructionist Democrats who will impeach instead of work. For the House, this battle is partially playing out right now in redistricting battles across the country and much is still unknown. But for the Senate, the battleground is known: Ohio, Michigan, Maine, North Carolina, and Georgia. The battleground may develop further in coming months.

The stakes are high in 2026, but we have the right playbook. By applying the lessons learned from 2025, we can strengthen our strategy heading into the midterms. It’s critical that grassroots Americans stay laser-focused on winning at the ballot box and securing a strong, lasting legislative majority.

Share

This is the backdrop that voters will have top of mind as they head to the polls next week in Virginia, New York City, and New Jersey. But how did we get here? That is the focus of my latest piece in the Washington Examiner.

READ FULL OP-ED HERE

The reality is that left-wing leaders have spent years creating a culture of ignoring the law and stirring up violence as a means to protest while gaslighting the larger Democratic Party into thinking it is a First Amendment “right.” Whether you look at the lawfare used by the Biden administration to physically jail political opponents, the George Floyd “mostly peaceful” riots, attempts to firebomb pregnancy resource centers, or unchecked antisemitism, the Left has been systematically advocating violence as a mainstream tactic for the Democratic base. And some of its supporters have sadly listened.

This topic was also the focus of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Capitol Hill this week. While Democrats try to preach unity, they have been excusing or even condoning violent rhetoric from extreme candidates, including Zohran Mamdani in NYC and Jay Jones in Virginia.

More from my op-ed:

What’s almost as disturbing as the violence is the silence that follows it. We have seen almost no condemnation from so-called moderates or “mainstream” Democrats. In the Senate Judiciary hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) urged introspection and self-examination before storming out of the hearing. Had he stayed, Booker would have been confronted for standing by his endorsement of the aforementioned Jones — much like his colleagues Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

Virginia gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger has also refused to call on Jones to withdraw from the race. In fact, as of just a few days ago, Spanberger was still selling Jones’s co-branded merchandise on her campaign’s website.

As for Mamdani, he has actually been endorsed by multiple high-profile Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Attorney General Letitia James.

It is important that we all understand how important the next few election cycles will be. This is a dangerous path for our country, but the Left refuses to call out the rot in their own ranks. It will be up to the voters to reject this culture of violence, intimidation, and lawlessness. Next week’s elections would be a good place to start.

Share