Exclusive: Progressive group targets ‘Trump Dividend’ and cost of living in swing districts

A progressive economic group is kicking off an ad and organizing campaign targeting nearly two dozen purple congressional races by going after Trump’s unpopular idea to give voters $5,000. Economic Security Project Action, the political arm of the group that previously backed guaranteed income schemes, is zeroing in on the floated “Trump Dividend” — which has slim if any chance of becoming real — as evidence of unmet political promises from Republicans on the cost of living. “With the midterms looming, Republicans can’t keep dodging accountability for sticking working folks with the bill for their expensive, harmful agenda.

Voters deserve to know, in dollar amounts, exactly what Republicans have cost them,” says a memo describing the six-figure campaign provided to Semafor. Among the planned events are a town hall on cost of living in California’s 22nd Congressional District, an event on veterans’ affordability in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, and a lemonade truck tour in Pennsylvania swing districts. In addition, a “Republican Receipts” campaign will lay out what the group describes as a contrast between GOP incumbents’ voting record and the impact on constituents of increased prices.

With a recent Economist/YouGov poll showing Democrats with a 14-point lead on the generic ballot and inflation and the economy as the top issues among voters, Democrats are banking that their candidates’ continued focus on high costs will win them the midterm elections. Meanwhile, Republicans are hoping that voters will reward them for the tax cuts in their domestic policy megabill, like deductions for overtime and tips.