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To: Interested Parties
From: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Date: February 19, 2026
Subject: VULNERABLE REPUBLICANS’ BROKEN PROMISES ON HIGHER COSTS LEAVES THEM WITH NOTHING TO CAMPAIGN ON
After more than a year of unified Republican control, House Republicans have proven to be nothing more than a reckless rubber stamp for their cost-increasing agenda – and everyday Americans are paying the price.
Despite Republican campaign promises, utility costs are up, grocery costs are up, health care costs are up, and everything is more expensive in America.
A September 2024 analysis from NBC News found that roughly 40% of GOP ads for House races focused on the promise that electing Republicans would lower the cost of living. These same ads are now a political liability today.
- Miller-Meeks (IA-01) campaign ad, Grocery Cart: “Do you wanna know how to decide your vote this year? Just look in your grocery cart. … I approve this message because we got to get these prices down.”
- Bresnahan (PA-08) campaign ad, Bucket Truck 2.0: “I’m Rob Bresnahan. Send me to Congress because I won’t forget where I came from. I’ll get money back in your pockets and get Washington off their butts and out there with my guys rebuilding America.”
- Kiggans (VA-02) campaign ad, Pennies: “I remember when 20 bucks fed the whole family with change to spare. But today, even the drive-thru costs a small fortune. … So I’m on a mission to slash wasteful spending and roll back prices for families. ”
- Ciscomani (AZ-06) campaign ad, You Feel It: “You feel it. Prices on everything, skyrocketing. Our border, a mess. Those in charge, out of touch. And still, so many DC politicians want more of the same terrible policies that got us here … Not Juan Ciscomani. He’s focused on bringing costs down”
- Lawler (NY-17) campaign ad, Don’t Get Me Started: “Housing, car payments, gas. The cost of everything has gone through the roof, and don’t even get me started on groceries.”
- Huizenga (MI-04) campaign ad, Get It Done Leader: “You know, as a small business owner, there’s no time for drama … I’m Bill Huizenga, and in Congress, I’m working to cut spending, bring down inflation and lower energy costs to make life more affordable for hard working families.”
- De La Cruz (TX-15) campaign ad, “My name is Monica De La Cruz and I approve this message because the cost of groceries is getting WAY out of hand.”
REMINDER: After the first 100 days of the Trump administration, the DCCC made clear we would hold vulnerable House Republicans accountable for breaking their “day one” promise to lower the high cost of living. Since then, we have been on offense with a constant barrage of paid communications, targeting vulnerable Republicans for voting to cut Medicaid and food assistance programs, failing to save the ACA tax credits, and supporting Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs.
Because of this push, the American people hate how Trump and Republicans are handling the economy, reaching all-time lows. A Fox News survey found 7 in 10 voters think Trump is not spending enough time on the economy, including nearly half of Republicans and most Democrats and Independents.
BOTTOM LINE: This outrageous, cost-increasing agenda will be the singular reason why Republicans lose the House in November and we have them dead to rights, with their own words and their own ads. |
