The political focus of the U.S. Chamber is to support a policy environment that promotes innovation, economic growth, and the jobs American families rely on. We cannot achieve that without the support of elected officials who advance and defend the free enterprise system, while proactively working to pass pro-growth legislation.
Why it matters: Ten out of the last 12 federal election cycles have resulted in a shift in the balance of power in the White House, U.S. Senate, or U.S. House of Representatives. Despite the political pendulum, the business community is steadfast in our focus to engage in the electoral process by ensuring American business thrives in the future.
The role of the business community: The Chamber works with lawmakers and administrations, regardless of party, to help advance the priorities of the business community to grow our economy, create good-paying jobs, and bolster local communities.
To support this objective, the Chamber’s political program focuses on identifying and endorsing pro-growth candidates for Congress. With continued historic levels of retirements, we will see many new faces in Congress. Thus, it is imperative the business community supports those representatives who work for free-market, pro-growth solutions.
Engaging early: Heading into the election cycle, we took stock of the primary and general election landscapes to evaluate, and properly plan for 2024 engagement.
A key takeaway from 2022 was the not-told-enough story that primaries have become more and more important, with many Congressional seats being decided in primary races. In 2022, 73% of all general election House races were decided by 15 points or more. For many of the prevailing candidates in these general election races, the primary was the real contest. At the same time, in 2022, of the 410 Congressional incumbents who ran for re-election, 60 percent had a contested primary, marking the fourth consecutive cycle where this rate increased from the previous election year.
Rather than shy away from primary elections, the Chamber has decided it is critical to engage early. The Chamber will continue to endorse in primary elections across the country when and where it makes sense for our membership, and once those primaries are decided, we will take a fresh look at each general election and again, make data-backed decisions to support pro-growth candidates.
The Chamber's support: Pro-business candidates understand and appreciate the importance of the Chamber’s endorsement:
- “For over a century the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been a steadfast advocate for job creators across the country,” said Senator Roger F. Wicker (R-MS). “I’m grateful to have their support and look forward to continuing working together on policies that cut red tape, reduce unemployment, and grow our economy.”
- "I am honored to once again receive the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “Since entering Congress, I have made it a mission to deliver common-sense, bipartisan solutions to kitchen-table issues that will help our small businesses flourish, keep good paying jobs in Pennsylvania, and grow our economy. I look forward to continuing working alongside the Chamber to ensure real results and success for our incredible small business community here in Pennsylvania. “I’m honored to have the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” said Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12). “As a former small business owner, I understand that our job creators are the backbone of our economy. I know just how critical businesses, large and small, are to Main Street America. I have always fought against the federal government's job-killing taxes and burdensome regulations, and I am excited to continue working with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to advocate for limited government interference in our businesses.”
- “I'm honored to receive the endorsement from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, I wouldn't be in the position I am today without our family's Grocery Stores, Rulli Bros. Markets,” said Ohio State Senator Michael Rulli, candidate for OH-06. “Our small business employs hundreds across the Ohio Valley, and in Congress I'll fight to keep jobs here, lower the cost of living, and strengthen Ohio's economy.”
- “As a state legislator, I have had a laser focus on supporting Ohio businesses by lowering their tax burden and reducing regulations,” said Derek Merrin, candidate for OH-09. “I'm thankful to have the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in my efforts to get the heavy weight of D.C. off the backs of small businesses, so more entrepreneurs can prosper. Northwest Ohio business owners deserve better than the disdain the current administration has shown them with their anti-business policies. I look forward to working with the Chamber of Commerce to make America once again the best nation in the world to conduct business!”
- “District 32 is home to amazing entrepreneurs and some of the hardest-working Texans in the state,” said Julie Johnson, candidate for TX-32. “As the front-runner in this race, I’m proud of a record that includes securing workforce development funds, creating good-paying jobs, and investing in critical Texas infrastructure so we attract the very best for years to come. I am honored to have earned the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s endorsement for my election to Congress. I look forward to continuing our shared commitment to fostering economic growth, innovation, and opportunity for all.”
Bottom line: The U.S. Chamber will continue to be active in defending pro-business members and supporting pro-business candidates in both primary and general elections. We will always stand proudly with elected officials who support job creators and our workforce through durable, bipartisan public policy.
