The Chamber works to create a policy environment that supports innovation, economic growth, and the jobs American families rely on. We cannot achieve that without the support of elected officials who advance the free enterprise system and pro-growth policies.
Why it matters: While political polarization continues, the Chamber remains steadfast in our focus to engage in the political process by ensuring American business thrives in the future.
Since the year 2000, nine of the last 11 election cycles have resulted in a shift in control of the White House, Senate, or House. The 2022 midterms have a high probability based on history alone to be another change election.
Sustained majorities are fleeting, and a few members control critical legislative outcomes. 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 in each party.
The Chamber’s political program focuses on identifying, supporting, and endorsing pro-business candidates for Congress. Here’s what we are doing.
1. Growing the number of pro-business members of Congress.
We are focused on supporting pro-business members who will deliver wins for the country.
With historic levels of retirements, we will see many new faces in Congress. This year may be a once-in-a-decade opportunity to engage a large, influential, and pro-business freshmen class. In an era of growing populism and progressivism, it is imperative the business community supports those representatives who work for free-market, pro-growth solutions.
Our team has held more than 150 candidate interviews or meetings this cycle. Once we endorse candidates, we work to get them elected. Coverage of some of our endorsement events can be found here.
2. Defending officials willing to advance pro-growth solutions.
The Chamber was active defending pro-business positions and votes by members when they were criticized for embracing bipartisan solutions. We will always stand proudly with elected officials who support job creators and our workforce through durable, bipartisan public policy.
3. Engaging pro-growth voters.
The Chamber has a key ingredient for success that no other organization can match: engaging with local businesses and state and local chamber partners. These deep connections allow us to communicate and mobilize identified pro-business voters.
By investing in this action-oriented, robust network of pro-business constituents we can help them effectively communicate with their representatives when in office.
4. Building future pro-business leaders.
Our political program does not just look backward at past actions by members. In July, the Chamber hosted our first Free Enterprise Forum, inviting a select group of House candidates for a half day of policy conversation with our corporate and federation members. We are working to build Chamber champions who will defend the business community in the next Congress and beyond.
Leaders welcome the Chamber's support.
Pro-business candidates understand and appreciate the importance of the Chamber’s endorsement:
- “I am honored to be endorsed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and rated as the top Republican for two years in a row for my work to improve workforce development, foster a competitive business climate, and push back against unnecessary and crippling regulations," said Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). "I remain committed to working with the Chamber to lower taxes on small businesses, invest in America's infrastructure, and strengthen U.S. trade relations to ensure Nebraska can continue to lead the way in 2022 and beyond.”
- “I want to thank the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for its endorsement of my campaign,” said Allan Fung. “The Chamber is the leading voice for American business, and I am honored to have the support of their members. I am laser focused on curbing inflation and bringing good paying jobs back to Rhode Island with bipartisan, commonsense solutions. We need to build an economic environment where everyone has the opportunity to live the great American Dream, and I look forward to partnering with the Chamber of Commerce to invest in Rhode Island’s future.”
- "The U.S. Chamber of Commerce represents businesses of all sizes, across every sector of our economy here in Western Pennsylvania, and it's an honor to earn their support," said Jeremy Shaffer. "As a small business owner, myself, I am very familiar with the issues important to employers and workers across PA-17 and our nation. In Congress, I'll be a champion for pro-growth policies, so businesses, from mom-and-pop shops to large manufacturing companies, can thrive and create meaningful jobs that fuel our western Pennsylvania economy.”
- "I'm honored to have earned the endorsement of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce," said Rep. Carlos Gimenez(R-FL). "For too long, our small businesses have been trampled by rising prices, disrupted supply chains, and a President who constantly vilifies their hard work and sacrifice. As Mayor of Miami-Dade County and now as a Member of Congress, I have always stood shoulder to shoulder with our local businesses and have fought for them every step of the way. Together, we will bring our economy back and champion a prosperous future for the next generation of business owners and hard-working families."
- “I’m incredibly honored to have the support of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the many incredible businesses they and their affiliated regional and local chamber organizations represent in Ohio and the First Congressional District,” Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH) said. “I’m proud of my record of delivering results for our business community and hardworking families and am focused on addressing the unprecedented challenges they face from record inflation, supply chain pressures, labor shortages, soaring energy costs, tax hikes, and more. I look forward to leveraging my depth of experience, proven ability to build consensus and get things done on a bipartisan basis, and willingness to stand up and vocally oppose misguided policies in the next Congress to unleash the full power of American enterprise and small business to create greater prosperity for our region and our nation.”
Bottom line: 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.
