Rep. Ryan Mackenzie joins AFP in pushing Trump tax cuts as 2026 House races heat up in key swing districts.

GOP Freshman Campaigns for Tax Relief

Freshman Congressman Ryan Mackenzie of Pennsylvania hit the streets of Bethlehem on Saturday to promote the extension of the Trump-era tax cuts, aligning closely with Americans for Prosperity (AFP) and former President Donald Trump’s legislative agenda. With the 2026 midterms looming, Mackenzie emphasized lowering taxes and inflation as top priorities for his district and the country.

Mackenzie, who flipped a critical swing seat in the Lehigh Valley last November, participated in AFP’s “day of action,” engaging directly with constituents to advocate for the permanence of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). He also voiced support for Trump’s expansive new legislation, the so-called “big, beautiful bill,” currently under negotiation in Congress.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to pass transformative legislation that will bring down taxes and the cost of living,” Mackenzie said. “Inflation has driven up the prices of food, fuel, housing, and healthcare. People are struggling, and now we can deliver meaningful tax relief.”

His remarks came amid ongoing negotiations in Congress, where conservative holdouts recently delayed a procedural vote on budget reconciliation. Despite the friction, Mackenzie expressed optimism: “Ultimately, we’re going to come together to do what’s right for the American people.”

AFP Mobilizes Grassroots in Battleground States

AFP’s campaign on Saturday reached over 90,000 voters nationwide, focusing on swing districts in Pennsylvania, Arizona, Iowa, and Michigan. The advocacy group partnered with Mackenzie and fellow GOP Reps. David Schweikert, Juan Ciscomani, Ashley Hinson, and Tom Barrett to boost support for preserving the TCJA provisions.

“We’ve been knocking doors, making calls, hosting events, and raising awareness about the urgency of making the tax cuts permanent,” said Emily Greene, AFP’s Pennsylvania State Director. “We talk to taxpayers and business owners every day who understand Congress must act. We can’t risk facing the largest tax hike in American history.”

AFP’s efforts are part of its $20 million “Protect Prosperity” initiative, the group’s largest investment to date in promoting pro-growth tax policies. The timing and scope of the campaign reflect early messaging efforts ahead of what’s expected to be a contentious fight for control of the House in 2026.

While the focus is on economic issues, the underlying strategy is political. By highlighting Republicans’ work to reduce financial pressure on everyday Americans, AFP aims to shield vulnerable GOP incumbents from Democratic attacks and reinforce the party’s commitment to fiscal conservatism.

Mackenzie’s door-to-door campaign also underscored how grassroots mobilization remains central to the Republican strategy. “This was my first time knocking doors since the election,” Mackenzie said. “It’s about listening to constituents and showing them that we’re fighting for their financial future.”

As Congress reconvenes to resolve differences over the budget package, Republicans hope to unify around tax reform and present it as a signature legislative victory heading into the next election cycle. For Mackenzie and others in swing districts, the outcome could be decisive in determining who controls the House come 2026.