House GOP Targets Vulnerable Democrats Over Government Shutdown Vote

EXCLUSIVE — The House GOP's campaign committee is turning up the heat on Democrats who opposed a funding measure to keep the federal government open through September 30. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) has unveiled digital ads targeting 35 House Democrats, many of whom are expected to face tough reelection battles in 2026.

The ads come on the heels of a House vote that passed a Republican-crafted bill by a razor-thin 217-213 margin. The measure slices $13 billion in non-defense spending, increases defense spending by $6 billion, and hands President Donald Trump expanded control over how the funds are allocated. Not a single Democrat voted for it, though Maine Democrat Jared Golden, representing a Trump-leaning district, broke ranks to support the measure.

The NRCC made no bones about its intentions. "House Democrats threw a tantrum at the expense of the American people, shutting down the government just to score political points," said NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella. It's clear the Republicans are planning to keep this narrative alive by running identical digital ads targeting Democrats in battleground districts like California, Florida, New York, and beyond.

The campaign is fueled by a modest ad buy and focuses on Democratic representatives such as Josh Harder (CA-09), Darren Soto (FL-09), Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05), and Dina Titus (NV-01), among others. They accuse these lawmakers of jeopardizing government operations for partisan gains.

Meanwhile, House Democratic leaders see things differently. Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries slammed the GOP-crafted bill as "reckless" and pointed out that the Democratic opposition was a show of unity against harmful policies. "We put up a strong vote in opposition to this bill because this hurts families," added Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar.

Adding some extra spice to the drama, the bill's lone Republican dissenter, Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, is now facing threats of a primary challenge from Trump allies. This political soap opera isn't just about policy—it’s also about power, loyalty, and who gets to call the shots.

With the 2026 midterms still a political eternity away, this early attack signals that both parties are gearing up for a bruising battle ahead. Stay tuned—it’s going to be a long, messy ride.