The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC, funded by billionaire Chris Larsen, has significantly impacted Republican primaries this election cycle, recently contributing to the defeat of Tennessee Representative Andy Ogles. The PAC spent $2 million opposing Ogles's reelection, leading to his loss to former state Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher. Republican operatives noted that the PAC's spending was a major factor in Ogles's defeat, compounded by his fundraising challenges and changes to his congressional district.
The PAC has also targeted other Republican candidates, spending $1.7 million against Texas Representative Chip Roy and $75,000 against South Carolina Governor candidate Ralph Norman. According to Lizzie Han, a spokesperson for the PAC, they plan to continue their spending in upcoming races. The Invest in Tomorrow Coalition PAC has raised $6.8 million this cycle, with $6 million from Larsen, and aims to influence more races through the election. Tom Matzzie, the PAC chairman, stated that their efforts are focused on candidates who oppose renewable energy initiatives. Ogles responded by claiming that his defeat illustrates a strategy by the 'radical left' to interfere in Republican primaries.