Democratic PAC ad aims to win back young male voters who backed Trump
The Progress Action Fund, a fundraising group dedicated to helping Democrats flip Republican seats, has released a controversial new advertisement aimed at winning over young men ahead of the 2026 races. The ad features a fictional “Republican congressman” who invades private moments in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hospitals to enforce conservative policies like stopping sex, abortion, or denying care to Medicare patients.
In the ad, a couple on a date is forcefully separated by masked agents, with the woman being dragged away while the man protests. The “Republican congressman,” an older White man with white hair, steps in and declares that they are rounding up “illegals,” even though the woman is a citizen. The ad ends with a reference to President Trump’s meeting with the El Salvadorian President, suggesting the deportation of American citizens to foreign prisons.
Joe Jacobson, the founder of Progress Action Fund, stated that their testing shows the ad resonates with young men, potentially swaying their support towards Democrats. He emphasized the importance of reaching and engaging young male voters, especially after they flipped to Trump by 30 points in the last election.
The ad has been criticized by Republicans and the White House as fear-mongering. However, Jacobson believes that the ad’s focus on immigration, a key issue for Republicans, will work in favor of Democrats given Trump’s harsh policies. He highlighted the need for Democrats to address immigration concerns while not resorting to racial profiling or deporting non-violent immigrants.
The Progressive Action Fund has invested in the ad, targeting social media first before expanding to swing states and districts. Despite criticism from the NRCC and the White House, Jacobson remains confident in the ad’s ability to sway young male voters and shift the narrative towards the left ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Overall, the ad’s provocative messaging and focus on immigration aim to capture the attention of young male voters and present a compelling argument for supporting Democrats in the upcoming elections.
