This year, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce helped elect 77 pro-business candidates to Congress. We look forward to working with each of them and their colleagues to address the urgent needs of the American economy.
According to exit polls, inflation was the top concern among 2022 midterm voters. A plurality (31%) cited this as the issue that mattered most to their vote. More than three-quarters of voters (76%) said they think the nation's economy is "not so good" or "poor." So, it has never been more important for elected officials to address our nation’s challenges by bridging divides and forging durable solutions – just like business leaders across this country do every day.
Change elections
Since 2000, 10 of the last 12 election cycles have resulted in a shift in control of the White House, Senate, or House. Sustained majorities are fleeting and with narrow margins in the Senate and House, many legislative outcomes depend on a few key votes. The historic passage of the infrastructure bill – a 25-year priority for the Chamber – and slashing billions of dollars of tax increases out of the budget reconciliation bill hinged on the efforts of a handful of pro-business leaders.
This cycle, the Chamber updated its endorsement and political program to reflect today’s reality. Our efforts focused on defending and electing “Chamber Champions" – members of Congress we can work with to advance pro-business priorities.
While endorsing fewer candidates, the Chamber increased our focus on delivering high-touch, high-value support in key districts across the country. In total, the Chamber held 52 endorsement events for candidates including Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, Kevin Kiley, Rep. Mike Garcia, and Rep. Nancy Mace.
By the numbers
The Chamber is not a political party, we endorse candidates that are pro-business champions irrespective of party affiliation.
Our political team met with nearly 160 candidates seeking our support this election cycle. Ultimately, the Chamber endorsed 92 candidates who were on the ballot this November. Seventy-seven won their general election race while 15 lost.
Of the 64 toss-up and lean House races that decided the majority, the Chamber endorsed 26 Republican and 4 Democratic candidates with 15 of those winning their election.
With a focus on supporting future pro-business champions in Congress, the Chamber was successful in our support for two new U.S. Senators and 11 new members of the House.
This summer we hosted our first-ever Free Enterprise Forum with over a dozen candidates to discuss the business community’s priorities ahead of the election. Seven candidates who attended the forum won their general election (AL-05, CA-03, IN-09, MN-01, NE-01, NC-11, NY-19).
Importantly, the pro-business candidates we supported understand and appreciate the importance of the Chamber’s endorsement. You can read that sentiment reflected in some of their quotes here.
Looking ahead
The Chamber has called on Congress to move past the partisanship of campaign season and commit to addressing pro-growth priorities that can and must get done. To prepare for that, the Chamber engaged in more than 15 unique voter education campaigns. This has been a purposeful and statistically driven mission to educate constituents about issues concerning our members.
Avoiding Washington’s polarized politics is not an option for the business community or the Chamber. America’s job creators, entrepreneurs, workers, and families depend on an innovative, vibrant economy. The Chamber will continue to support candidates in both parties who embrace and back pro-business solutions and a business environment that supports jobs and economic growth.
