Mysterious Group Targets Republicans in Midterm Battles
A new group claiming an anti-globalist, pro-American stance is targeting Republicans in crucial House races, raising concerns about a strategy to decrease GOP votes. The organization, known as the American Forge Coalition, has distributed mail accusing Republicans of lacking conservatism, with suspicions that this could be a left-leaning ploy meant to lower voter turnout before the upcoming midterm elections.
Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., and his campaign spokesperson, Ciro Riccardi, have criticized the group’s activities as a ploy by a Democrat-aligned, unregistered group to influence early voting. An investigation by Fox News Digital highlighted that key targets include Lawler’s race in New York, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in Pennsylvania, Rep. Derrick Van Orden in Wisconsin, Rep. Marianette Miller-Meeks in Iowa, Rep. Jen Kiggans in Virginia, and Laurie Buckhout, who seeks to challenge Rep. Don Davis in North Carolina.
In different races, the group accused candidates of supporting mass amnesty and being lax on justice for illegal immigrants. Van Orden and Buckhout, in particular, received criticisms about their stance on abortion, though the claims are not entirely accurate. The mailers claimed Buckhout supports late-term abortions while portraying Van Orden as permitting second-trimester abortions, despite their pro-life stances.
Fitzpatrick’s campaign noted the group’s tactics of labeling Republicans as too independent for the right, while portraying them as not independent enough for the left. The sources and structure of the American Forge Coalition remain unclear, obscuring a detailed understanding of its financial backers.
The group is registered as a 501(c)(4) entity, meaning it does not have to report financial disclosures to the Federal Election Commission and cannot directly support candidates. Michael Beckel, director of Money in Politics Reform, commented on the growing trend of anonymous funding in elections, facilitated by entities like this coalition, operating with minimal transparency.
Fitzpatrick’s team argues such groups aim for a Congress without pragmatic lawmakers. Caitlin Sutherland from Americans for Public Trust highlights the contradiction in the group’s depiction as defenders of democracy while engaging in voter suppression tactics.
The American Forge Coalition was established in May 2026 and registered in Delaware, a state noted for its accommodating incorporation laws. The registration shares an address with numerous other businesses, including some large corporations.
Both left- and right-wing organizations typically prefer Delaware for its favorable legal landscape for incorporation, leaving little information about their true intentions. Beckel suggested the coalition might be financially supported by liberal interests, operating covertly to influence elections.
There is historical precedent for such shadow campaigns on both sides. For instance, a group connected to former Rep. Eric Swalwell attempted to sway voters against Fitzpatrick in a previous election cycle.
However, the campaign by the American Forge Coalition stands out by not promoting alternative candidates but rather discouraging Republicans from voting. The focus is on diminishing GOP participation, marking a strategic shift this election cycle.
Current projections by Fox News indicate a potential Democrat majority in the House with 219 seats over the Republicans’ 198, and the remaining 18 seats are still considered competitive. The American Forge Coalition’s efforts could impact races such as those involving Lawler, Kiggans, and Miller-Meeks, which are expected to lean Democratic.
The group’s website is sparse on information, lacking donor and leadership listings. It seems to adopt a populist right rhetoric, emphasizing American self-reliance and critiquing foreign and political interference.
The American Forge Coalition did not respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital. This article was written by Elizabeth Elkind, a political reporter for Fox News Digital with a focus on the House of Representatives.