A recent complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission has raised allegations against a clandestine group known as the Patriots Run Project. This group has reportedly been recruiting retired and disabled individuals who support Donald Trump to run as independent candidates in competitive congressional districts across the United States. The complaint, lodged by the conservative organization Americans for Public Trust, claims that the Patriots Run Project violated campaign finance laws by not registering as a political committee.
The Patriots Run Project’s activities were brought to light in a September article by the Associated Press, which outlined how the group scouted potential conservative candidates online, assisted them in qualifying for the ballot, and provided substantial resources to support their campaigns. Despite the group’s significant involvement in influencing federal elections, it has not registered itself as a business, political committee, or nonprofit organization.
The lack of transparency surrounding the Patriots Run Project has raised concerns about potential election interference and the impact it could have on the upcoming congressional elections. By recruiting third-party candidates to run in crucial swing districts, the group may affect the outcome of races that could play a significant role in determining control of Congress.
Republican lawmakers and incumbents have expressed alarm at the Patriots Run Project’s tactics, with some labeling it as a shady strategy employed by Democrats due to their lack of substantive policy platforms. The group targeted multiple states, including Virginia, Nebraska, Montana, Minnesota, and Iowa, with candidates who identified as retired, disabled, or both.
Despite efforts to uncover more information about the Patriots Run Project, details about the organization remain scarce. However, investigations have revealed ties to Democratic consulting firms that have assisted in various aspects of the group’s operations, such as gathering signatures for candidate petitions and conducting polling. The complaint filed with the FEC seeks to compel the Patriots Run Project to disclose its financial backers and the individuals managing the organization, shedding light on their motives and potential impact on the election process.
