These are the House Dems who are — and aren't — paying their DCCC dues
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi speak in the House chamber on Nov. 17, 2022. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
House Democrats' threat to withhold their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee unless it stops intervening in primaries comes as they are already struggling to get some members to cough up, Axios has found.
Why it matters: This isn't the DCCC's only source of income, but it is a significant one.
- More than half of House Democrats had paid less than 50% of their expected dues as of the beginning of April, with an average payment rate of 47%, according to a member dues report obtained by Axios.
- Nearly 30 members who aren't in battleground districts have paid 0% of their expected dues.
- The report was first reported by Puck News.
Between the lines: DCCC dues are what House Democrats in safe districts are expected to fork over to their party's campaign arm each cycle in order to help get swing-district members and candidates elected.
- The thinking essentially goes: If you want legislative power, you'll give your money to the campaigns that will give you the majority and, subsequently committee gavels.
- Ambitious members seeking coveted committee spots, leadership roles or simply to garner favor with their colleagues often strive to meet or exceed their set target
- Those already in leadership roles are expected to pay more than your average rank-and-file members.
By the numbers: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) has given by far the most, paying over $4.6 million in dues — more than 400% of his expected $1.1 million contribution — according to the report.
- Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) had given nearly $1.4 million, Democratic Caucus chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.) gave over $1.2 million and DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.) gave $930,000 — all over 100% of their goal.
- Others who cleared their dues goal include former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Ritchie Torres (D-Calif.).
Those who haven't paid any dues include:
- Members who have faced tough primary challenges this year: Reps. Al Green (D-Texas), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.) and Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.).
- Several retiring members such as Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.) and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.).
- Some other big names including Reps. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.).
Read the full report here:
