House Speaker Mike Johnson is currently on a swing-state tour in the final weeks leading up to the election, as Republicans strive to maintain their slim majority in the House. The tour, named the 'American Revival Tour,' includes stops in Michigan this weekend, with plans for additional events in Ohio and Pennsylvania, among other states. The primary goal of the tour is to showcase the House Republicans' agenda for the upcoming Congress.
Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, has been actively traveling across 24 states in an effort to retain and potentially expand the GOP's control over the House. The states on his tour, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, are crucial for former President Donald Trump's potential 2024 campaign, aligning with Johnson's efforts to unify the GOP under Trump's leadership.
In a video introducing the tour, Johnson expressed confidence in the Republican party's ability to secure the White House, Senate, and regain control of the House. He outlined key priorities such as border security, energy sector development, protection of rights, support for working families, and a foreign policy based on strength.
Johnson has been actively campaigning alongside Republican incumbents and candidates nationwide, while also engaging in fundraising activities. His recent fundraising efforts have proven successful, with a record-breaking $27.5 million raised from July to September, the highest amount ever raised by a Republican Speaker of the House in the third quarter of a presidential election year.
Despite Johnson's fundraising success, House Republicans are facing financial challenges compared to their Democratic counterparts. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) outpaced the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) in fundraising in August, with the DCCC raising $22.3 million compared to NRCC's $9.7 million. House Democrats also ended the period with more cash on hand, holding $87 million versus the GOP's $70.7 million.
As the election approaches, Republicans in competitive races like Reps. Marianette Miller-Meeks and Ken Calvert have been trailing their Democratic opponents in fundraising. Johnson's focus is now on swing states, following a pro-Trump event in Texas earlier this month, as part of his 'American Revival' tour.
