Timothy Mellon reduces GOP donations following failed voting bill

Billionaire donor Timothy Mellon has significantly reduced his political contributions to the Republican Party ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. After contributing nearly $200 million in 2024 to support Donald Trump and other Republicans, Mellon’s publicly disclosed donations have dropped to approximately $3 million for the current cycle.

The reduction in funding is reportedly driven by dissatisfaction with the GOP’s failure to pass the SAVE America Act this summer. The proposed legislation sought to implement strict limits on mail-in voting, introduce nationwide voter ID requirements, and mandate proof of citizenship for voter registration. Senate Majority Leader John Thune supported the bill but indicated that the necessary votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster were unavailable.

Mellon, a reclusive billionaire from Wyoming, has notably withheld support from Senate Republican nominees. While he recently made a $20 million donation to House Republicans that is not yet reflected in public disclosures, his lack of support for Senate candidates has become a conspicuous issue within Republican financial circles.