The Club for Growth, a prominent conservative organization known for its significant financial contributions in Republican primary politics, is preparing to increase its influence in the 2026 election cycle.
The organization is aligning its efforts with former President Donald Trump and his political team, aiming to bolster the Republican majorities in the House and Senate.
According to Fox News, Club for Growth President David McIntosh stated in an exclusive interview, "Our goal is going to be even bigger and do more." The Club for Growth is a political advocacy organization that champions a fiscally conservative agenda, focusing on tax cuts and other economic issues. Its political arm, the Club for Growth Action super PAC, has been a significant force in GOP primary contests.
In the 2024 election cycle, Club for Growth Action and its affiliated super PACs raised $163 million, boasting a 73% win rate in the races where they made political investments. The group plans to increase its stakes in the 2026 cycle. McIntosh noted that the organization's ability to increase its investments hinges on its members, stating, "Were dependent on our donors to help us fund these races." He added, "weve got some very good, generous people who support us in that."
McIntosh highlighted the importance of President Trump's endorsement, stating, "That literally trumps everything else. So what we would do is recommend to him and his political team what candidates that we think would support his agenda, the free market, limited government conservatives that we could support together."
The relationship between McIntosh and the Club and Trump has seen its share of highs and lows. They initially opposed Trump during his 2016 White House run before becoming allies. In the 2022 cycle, they collaborated on several high-profile GOP primaries but clashed over contentious Senate nomination battles in Alabama, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Despite past disagreements, Trump and McIntosh reconciled approximately a year ago. Trump stated in March 2024, as he was securing the GOP presidential nomination, that they were "back in love" after their prolonged disagreement. McIntosh confirmed their renewed alliance, stating, "I think youll see Club for Growth PACs work closely with President Trump, his political team. Were definitely going to be working closely with his policy team to get the tax bill through, a lot of the legislation that we both agree is really important for turning things around in the country."
Club officials are planning a substantial federal advocacy campaign to support the pro-growth, free-market initiatives proposed by the Trump administration. A key focus of their campaign is the push to expand and permanently codify the Trump tax cuts enacted during his first term.
The Club is also advocating for federal school freedom legislation, which would allow parents "to use federal tax dollars to send their students to the public, private, charter, or homeschool that best fits their learning needs." Last year, Club for Growth Action collaborated with allied groups to target and defeat 10 GOP incumbent state lawmakers in Texas who had opposed the so-called school choice legislation. The group also invested heavily in Tennessee on a similar mission and is continuing its efforts in five other states where school choice bills are under consideration.
The Club is set to commence its annual donor retreat for top-dollar contributors at an exclusive beachfront resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The event will feature some of the most recognized names on the right, including Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas, Mike Lee of Utah, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Tim Scott of South Carolina, Rick Scott of Florida, and freshman lawmaker Bernie Moreno of Ohio. House Speaker Mike Johnson and Reps. Byron Donalds and Nancy Mace will also be in attendance, along with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently launched a 2026 campaign for Ohio governor.
The Club for Growth's increased involvement in the 2026 election cycle, coupled with its alignment with former President Trump, signals a concerted effort to strengthen conservative influence in the House and Senate. With its focus on tax cuts, economic issues, and school choice legislation, the Club is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of conservative politics.
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