STAFFORD, Va. — House Ways and Means Committee Chair Jason Smith (R-Mo.) is wrapping up a busy October on the road for Republicans.
Smith is campaigning this week with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, his latest swing with a member of the House GOP leadership.
In an interview before rallying voters in one of the closest House races here in Virginia’s 7th District, Smith told us he views his political work as a continuation of how he’s approached his job for 11 years.
So let’s talk about why Smith’s leadership travel matters now.
Smith is working to keep building relationships and trust ahead of the debate over extending the Trump tax cuts. No matter the election outcome, that would strengthen Smith’s hand in the upcoming negotiations.
“I want everyone to know that I’m the resource that can help them,” Smith said. “And whenever we try to thread the needle to pass this tax bill, it’s going to be a conference effort.”
Then there’s the specter of Rep. Vern Buchanan (R-Fla.), who narrowly lost the gavel to Smith two years ago. There have been some murmurs about Buchanan challenging Smith again. Smith said he doesn’t believe that will happen.
Here’s more:
Smith added that if he did face a challenge, he’d win.
“I won it when it was really competitive in a three-way race. I have a track record for two years now,” Smith said.
Smith ran for the gavel partly on a promise to be a powerhouse fundraiser and campaigner. He’s delivering.
The numbers: Smith has campaigned for more than 30 Republican members or candidates in over 20 states this month — including stops with Scalise, Speaker Mike Johnson and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer. Smith also traveled with former President Donald Trump over the last week.
Then there’s fundraising. Smith is a top conference donor for the NRCC this cycle, hauling in $2.75 million. He held fundraisers for 123 Republican members and candidates that raised $6 million, including $1.4 million from Smith as direct contributions.
Smith also told us his D.C. fundraising dinners for Ways and Means members brought in between $76,000 and $165,000 each.
