Dem-Linked Network Uses Third-Party Ads To Split Trump’s Support In Swing States

In what some are calling a targeted strategy, Democratic-linked super PACs are backing third-party candidates to weaken Donald Trump’s conservative base in key battlegrounds. Through ads in Michigan and Wisconsin, groups like Retire Career Politicians are promoting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Libertarian Chase Oliver, and anti-abortion advocate Randall Terry — candidates who could pull votes from Trump and benefit the Biden-Harris campaign.

Retire Career Politicians has spent more than $300,000 backing Kennedy and Oliver, with campaign finance records showing a clear pattern of Democratic donors funding third-party alternatives to Trump. The ads depict Oliver as an anti-tax crusader promising to “dismantle the nanny state” and Kennedy as a Democrat turned independent, distancing himself from the “party of war.” This messaging is crafted to appeal to Trump-aligned voters who are skeptical of establishment politics and favor small government.

This effort is part of a broader network. Civic Truth Action and Voters of These 50 States of America, both heavily funded by the nonprofit Evidence for Impact, have spent millions promoting Oliver and Terry in an apparent attempt to attract pro-life and libertarian voters. Civic Truth Action, which received $55,000 from Retire Career Politicians, has spent $1.5 million on Oliver and another $2.4 million on fliers backing Terry. These fliers urge conservatives to vote for Terry to oppose abortion and “send a message that LIFE matters.”

Marc Elias, a campaign lawyer known for his work on behalf of Democrats, is connected to Evidence for Impact, which has also provided millions to support Harris-aligned groups. Retire Career Politicians, meanwhile, has received substantial funding from labor unions, including the United Food and Commercial Workers and American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

The timing and messaging of these ads have led to questions over the ethics of using third-party candidates to pull votes from Trump. Democratic strategists appear to be deploying millions to boost figures who, while not competitive on their own, could sway results in critical states. Critics warn that this is a calculated attempt by Democrats to influence the conservative vote, giving the Biden-Harris campaign a potential edge in a highly polarized election.