Major Conservative Group Strengthens Ties with Trump Ahead of 2026 GOP Primaries

Major Conservative Group Strengthens Ties with Trump Ahead of 2026 GOP Primaries

EXCLUSIVE – A significant conservative organization known for its substantial influence in Republican primary politics is amplifying its efforts for the upcoming 2026 election cycle as it aligns with President Donald Trump and his political team.

David McIntosh, the President of Club for Growth, emphasized in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital that the organization intends to enhance its outreach and impact. He stated, “Our goal is going to be even bigger and do more.” This commitment highlights the group’s ambition to play a decisive role in shaping the future of the Republican Party.

Club for Growth, a political advocacy organization, champions a fiscally conservative agenda that centers on tax cuts and various economic concerns. The organization’s political arm, Club for Growth Action, has emerged as a formidable force in GOP primary contests.

In the previous 2024 election cycle, Club for Growth Action reported raising $163 million and noted a remarkable success rate, claiming victory in 73% of the races it invested in. As it gears up for the 2026 cycle, the organization aims to strengthen Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.

McIntosh remarked on the potential for increased financial contributions, stating, “A lot of that depends on the members. We’re dependent on our donors to help us fund these races.” He also reassured supporters by emphasizing the generosity of their backers.

One pivotal element of their strategy, according to McIntosh, will be President Trump’s endorsement. He stated, “That literally trumps everything else.” Club for Growth plans to recommend candidates to Trump who are aligned with his agenda, emphasizing a commitment to free-market principles and limited government.

Historical Relationship between Club for Growth and Trump

The relationship between McIntosh and Trump has experienced significant fluctuations over the years. Initially, the organization opposed Trump during his bid for the presidency in 2016. However, they later became allies, collaborating in several high-stakes GOP primary battles during the 2022 cycle. Nevertheless, tensions resurfaced during contentious Senate nomination contests in Alabama, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Moreover, as the race for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination escalated, relations soured once again. Trump characterized Club for Growth in derogatory terms, labeling them as “The Club for NO Growth” and describing their members as an “assemblage of political misfits, globalists, and losers.” Despite this rocky history, reconciliation occurred approximately one year ago. Trump expressed support for McIntosh in March 2024, stating that they were “back in love” as he finalized his GOP presidential nomination.

Collaboration on Key Policies

McIntosh revealed that the Club intends to closely collaborate with Trump’s political team, particularly focusing on advancing tax legislation. He mentioned, “We’re 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.” This collaboration is expected to amplify the influence of conservative policies as they move forward.

Furthermore, Club for Growth officials have outlined plans for an eight-figure federal advocacy campaign aimed at supporting pro-growth initiatives proposed under the Trump administration. A significant focus of this campaign will be advocating for the expansion and permanent establishment of the tax cuts enacted during Trump’s first term.

In addition to tax reforms, the organization is pushing for federal legislation that promotes school choice, allowing parents to utilize federal tax dollars for educational options that best suit their children’s needs. This initiative reflects an increasing emphasis on parental choice and educational freedom.

Action Against Opposing Lawmakers

In a proactive effort, Club for Growth Action joined forces with allied groups last year to target and defeat ten GOP incumbent lawmakers in Texas who opposed school choice legislation. The organization also made significant financial investments in Tennessee for similar objectives. Continuing into the current year, efforts will extend to five additional states where school choice proposals are under consideration.

Annual Donor Retreat Kicks Off

The Club for Growth is set to commence its annual retreat for major donors, hosted at an exclusive beachfront resort in the upscale community of Palm Beach, Florida. This gathering brings together influential figures from the conservative movement to strategize and solidify their commitments for the upcoming election cycles.

Notable speakers at the event include prominent Republican figures such as Senators Ted Cruz from Texas, Mike Lee from Utah, Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee, Rand Paul from Kentucky, Tim Scott from South Carolina, Rick Scott from Florida, and freshman Congressman Bernie Moreno from Ohio. Their participation underscores the importance of this gathering in shaping the future direction of the GOP.

House Speaker Mike Johnson and representatives like Byron Donalds, who is exploring a gubernatorial run in Florida, and Nancy Mace from South Carolina, who is also considering a gubernatorial bid, are also expected to attend. Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy, who recently announced a campaign for Ohio governor, will be part of the influential assembly as well.

Preparing for the Future

As the 2026 election cycle approaches, the alliance between Club for Growth and Trump represents a pivotal moment for the Republican Party. By collaborating on policies that resonate with their supporters, both parties appear committed to fostering an environment conducive to conservative values and principles. The ongoing relationship between this major conservative group and Trump may significantly influence the GOP landscape in the years to come.