Bill Stepien, who ran President Trump's 2020 campaign and served as White House political director, has added his voice to the growing chorus of Republicans predicting a difficult midterm cycle. In an interview with CNN's Abby Phillip, Stepien pointed to recent corruption allegations—particularly the resignation of U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle—as a major factor dragging down the GOP.
“We talked a lot about draining the swamp 10 years ago. People wonder what’s changed when they see headlines like Guilfoyle and the trappings and the text messages,” Stepien said. “It’s ugly, and it’s given Democrats an opening.”
Guilfoyle resigned after The Wall Street Journal reported she had asked a GOP donor to help pay her $100,000 credit card bill before her confirmation hearing. The story has become a symbol of the administration's ethical troubles, and it appears to be resonating with voters.
Recent surveys show corruption is climbing the list of voter concerns, rivaling economic issues. A CNBC poll found that 36% of registered voters now view government corruption as the most important issue—ahead of the cost of food and groceries. A Fox News survey similarly showed 90% of voters are extremely or very concerned about corruption, outpacing worries about inflation and high prices.
The grim mood is reflected in the generic ballot, where Republicans now trail Democrats by an average of 7.9 points, according to Decision Desk HQ (DDHQ), The Hill's polling partner. DDHQ's forecast gives Democrats a 79% chance to retake the House and a 57% chance to win the Senate.
President Trump has tried to counter the negative trend with bold campaign promises. During a rally in North Carolina, he pledged $5,000 to every voter if Republicans keep control of Congress, linking the payment to settlements for toxic water contamination at Camp Lejeune. “If we don’t win, there’s no money,” Trump said. “If we do win, you’re getting it.”
He has also tied disaster relief funds in several states to Republican victories, a tactic that has drawn criticism from Democrats and some independents. Meanwhile, Democratic heavyweights like Barack Obama and Kamala Harris have been leading the party's push in key states, as seen in their midterm campaign efforts.
Stepien's remarks come as concerns about election integrity persist, with half of voters fearing the GOP could illegally overturn the results. The combination of corruption scandals, economic anxiety, and distrust in the electoral process has created a volatile political landscape.
Analysts say the president's promises may not be enough to shift the momentum. “Voters are looking for accountability and results, not just checks,” said one GOP strategist. “The corruption issue is sticking, and it's hard to campaign against your own record.”
As the midterms approach, the GOP faces an uphill battle. With early voting underway in many states, both parties are scrambling to mobilize their bases. The coming weeks will determine whether the corruption narrative continues to dominate or whether economic concerns take precedence.
