WASHINGTON — Allies of one of Donald Trump’s congressional critics have launched a super PAC to defend Republicans who voted to impeach or convict him and are now targeted by the former president for primary challenges.
Rep. Adam Kinzinger, who’s running his own effort to counter Trump’s influence within the party, will raise money for the new group, according to a person familiar with its plans.
In his closing speech on Sunday to the Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump told the cheering crowd that he would back challengers to the seven senators and 10 representatives who voted to hold him responsible for the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. Trump was impeached by the House and acquitted in the Senate. Kinzinger is among the 10 House members who voted to impeach Trump.
Trump, who is considering adding a super PAC to his political operation, has already endorsed a primary opponent of Rep. Anthony Gonzalez of Ohio, who also voted to impeach Trump. Save America, Trump’s leadership PAC, reported it had $31.2 million in the bank at the end of 2020, according to Federal Election Commission records.
The Kinzinger-aligned super PAC, Americans Keeping Country First, will provide cover for members like Gonzalez and Kinzinger, both of whom voted to impeach Trump, said Mario Castillo, who’s advising the group.
