Secretive Group Recruits Far-Right Candidates to Sway Key House Races

The Patriots Run Project aims to split conservative votes in swing districts, potentially benefiting Democrats in the upcoming elections.

The Patriots Run Project has recruited Trump supporters to run as independents in competitive House districts across several states, including Iowa, Nebraska, Montana, Virginia, and Minnesota.
Candidates were often contacted through pro-Trump Facebook pages and ads, and the group provided assistance with petition signatures and campaign paperwork.
Some recruited candidates, like Joe Wiederien, withdrew after realizing they were manipulated to siphon votes from Republican incumbents.
Investigations have found ties between the Patriots Run Project and Democratic consulting firms, although the group's true leadership and funding sources remain unclear.
Legal experts suggest that the group's activities may violate federal and state election laws, prompting calls for further investigation.