The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) in 2025 shattered its off-year fundraising record, pulling in $180 million as Republicans gear up for the midterm elections, the group announced Monday.
SLF—which is closely aligned with Senate majority leader John Thune—and its affiliated organizations raised $95 million in the second half of the year, nearly doubling the previous off-year record, according to the organization. The fund will report more than $100 million in cash on hand, with roughly one-third of donations coming from first-time contributors, according to the group.
SLF executives credited Thune’s leadership and Senate Republicans’ legislative wins, including passage of the Working Families Tax Cut Act, saying the war chest positions the GOP to "protect and expand" its majority as Democrats target vulnerable incumbents in several battleground states.
"This record sum is a reflection of the steady leadership of John Thune, the continued confidence of our investors, and the incredible team we’ve built at Senate Leadership Fund," the organization’s executive director, Alex Latcham, said in a statement. "The stakes could not be higher, but because of our generous supporters, we’re approaching the midterms in a stronger position than ever before to ensure we protect and expand the Republican Senate Majority."
The fund more than doubled its fundraising record in the first half of 2025 as well, bringing in $85 million and outraising its Democratic counterpart.
SLF highlighted the close involvement of President Donald Trump, Axios reported in July, noting that the White House had regular conversations with SLF and was involved with identifying and vetting potential candidates.
