Club for Growth Eyes Major Expansion in 2026, Aligns with Trump
The Club for Growth, a prominent conservative organization deeply involved in Republican primary politics, is preparing for a significant expansion of its activities in the 2026 election cycle. This strategic move reflects a growing alignment with former President Donald Trump and his political team.
Club for Growth President David McIntosh emphasized the organization’s ambitions in an exclusive interview, stating, "Our goal is going to be even bigger and do more."
The Club for Growth operates as a political advocacy group championing a fiscally conservative agenda, with a strong emphasis on tax cuts and related economic issues. Its political arm, the Club for Growth Action super PAC, has established itself as a major force in Republican primary contests, wielding considerable influence over candidate selection and election outcomes.
According to Club for Growth Action, the organization and its affiliated super PACs raised a substantial $163 million during the 2024 election cycle. The group boasts a successful track record, claiming victory in 73% of the races where it invested resources. Building on this momentum, the Club for Growth aims to increase its engagement and financial commitments in the 2026 cycle, with the overarching goal of strengthening Republican majorities in both the House and Senate.
McIntosh acknowledged that the organization’s ability to expand its investments hinges on the support of its members and donors. "A lot of that depends on the members. We’re dependent on our donors to help us fund these races," he explained. He expressed confidence in the continued generosity of the organization’s supporters, stating, "We’ve got some very good, generous people who support us in that."
A critical factor influencing the Club for Growth’s strategy is its relationship with former President Trump. McIntosh emphasized the significance of Trump’s endorsement, stating, "That literally trumps everything else." The organization plans to closely coordinate with Trump and his political team, recommending candidates who align with his agenda, particularly those who espouse free-market principles and limited government conservatism.
The relationship between the Club for Growth and Trump has experienced periods of both alignment and conflict. While the organization initially opposed Trump’s presidential bid in 2016, it later embraced him as an ally. In the 2022 cycle, Trump and the Club collaborated in certain high-profile Republican primaries but clashed over contentious Senate nomination battles in states like Alabama, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Tensions escalated as the 2024 Republican presidential nomination race commenced, with Trump frequently criticizing McIntosh and the Club, branding them as "The Club for NO Growth" and an "assemblage of political misfits, globalists, and losers." However, a reconciliation occurred approximately a year ago, with Trump declaring in March 2024 that they were "back in love" following their protracted dispute.
McIntosh affirmed the renewed collaboration, stating, "I think you’ll see Club for Growth PACs work closely with President Trump, his political team. 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."
Club officials have announced plans for an eight-figure federal advocacy campaign to promote pro-growth, free-market initiatives advocated by the Trump administration. A primary focus of this campaign will be to expand and permanently codify the Trump tax cuts enacted during his first term in office.
In addition to tax policy, the Club for Growth is actively advocating for federal school freedom legislation, which would empower parents to utilize federal tax dollars to send their children to the educational institution of their choice, whether it be public, private, charter, or homeschool. The organization emphasizes that this approach would allow parents to select the learning environment that best suits their children’s individual needs.
The Club for Growth Action has demonstrated its commitment to school choice through targeted campaigns against Republican state lawmakers who opposed such legislation. Last year, the group teamed up with allied organizations to defeat 10 GOP incumbents in Texas who had resisted school choice initiatives. The Club also invested heavily in similar efforts in Tennessee and is currently pursuing its school choice agenda in five other states where related bills are under consideration.
The Club for Growth is holding its annual donor retreat for major contributors at an exclusive beachfront resort in Palm Beach, Florida. This gathering brings together prominent figures from the right and high-net-worth donors.
Attendees include Senators 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 Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio.
Also present are House Speaker Mike Johnson and Representatives Byron Donalds, who is contemplating a 2026 gubernatorial run in Florida, and Nancy Mace of South Carolina, who is also considering a gubernatorial bid. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Vivek Ramaswamy are also attending the retreat. Ramaswamy recently launched a 2026 campaign for Ohio governor. The Club for Growth’s strategic alignment with Trump, coupled with its expanded financial resources, positions it as a major player in shaping the future of the Republican Party and influencing the outcome of elections in the years to come.
