House Democratic PAC adds $24M to ad buys, focuses on three new GOP lawmakers

The Democrats’ House Majority PAC is zeroing in on three new Republican incumbents as part of a major $24 million addition to its fall ad campaign.

The television reservations, which add to an initial $186 million in television and digital reservations announced earlier this year, put Wisconsin Reps. Derrick Van Orden (R), Bryan Steil (R) and Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R) on the PAC’s target list.

Politico first reported the ad buy.

The new ad campaign across more than a dozen states come as Democrats see an enthusiasm boost from the historic shake-up at the top of the ticket, with President Biden exiting the White House race and endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in his stead. 

“Over the last several weeks, House Democrats have seen an unprecedented level of support with renewed excitement and momentum,” House Majority PAC President Mike Smith said in a statement. 

“Our additional reservations are not only expanding the battleground, but also doubling down on offense. It’s clear that in November, we will take back the House and Leader Hakeem Jeffries will be elected Speaker.”   

Van Orden is up against a handful of Democratic challengers for his seat representing Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, just weeks ahead of the state’s August primary. The nonpartisan political handicapper Cook Political Report rates his seat as “leans Republican” — while Steil’s seat in the 1st Congressional District ranks as “likely Republican.”

In addition to spending against the new GOP incumbent targets, the House Majority PAC is marking more than $2 million in Flint, Mich., where Democratic Rep. Dan Kildee’s retirement opened up a competitive race, and $6.3 million in Philadelphia, around which Dems are defending Rep. Susan Wild (D) and hoping to unseat Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick.