Timothy Mellon, a prominent Republican donor and grandson of industrialist Andrew Mellon, has significantly scaled back his financial support for Senate Republicans ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The reduction in contributions is tied to frustration within parts of the party over the failure to pass the influential voting legislation known as the SAVE America Act earlier this year.
Mellon, 84, who emerged as a major Republican benefactor beginning in 2018, was one of the largest contributors to President Donald Trump and Republican candidates in the 2024 cycle. That year, he donated nearly $200 million, making him the second-largest individual donor behind Elon Musk. His prior giving included substantial sums to Senate and House Republican super PACs, including the Senate Leadership Fund, where he gave $30 million in 2020 and approximately $30 million combined in 2022 and 2024.
This cycle, however, Mellon’s publicly disclosed donations to Republican causes have dwindled. Through contributions filed to date, he has given about $3 million, concentrated mostly on House-focused groups. Last month, Mellon made a $20 million donation to support House Republicans, though no donations toward Senate campaigns have been reported so far. Fundraisers and party officials describe his absence from Senate fundraising as notable given his previous record of heavy investment in those races.
Two sources familiar with Mellon’s views said the donor’s reluctance to support Senate Republicans stems from dissatisfaction with the party’s inability to advance the SAVE America Act. The legislation, advocated by President Trump, sought to impose stricter voting restrictions nationwide, including limitations on mail-in ballots, voter ID requirements, and proof of citizenship for voter registration. Despite support from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, the bill failed due to insufficient votes to overcome a Democratic filibuster.
Mellon reportedly expressed his discontent directly by rejecting a solicitation letter from Senate Republicans seeking funds, a break from typical fundraising practices for donors of his stature. Attempts by aides close to Senate leadership to arrange a meeting between Mellon and Thune have been unsuccessful, sources said.
While Mellon’s disengagement from Senate fundraising has raised eyebrows, Republicans overall maintain a substantial financial advantage going into the midterms, buoyed by other major donors such as Miriam Adelson and Stephen Schwarzman, who have given tens of millions of dollars to key Senate groups. The Senate Leadership Fund itself has raised nearly $80 million more than its Democratic counterparts, easing concerns about funding gaps.
Beyond political contributions, Mellon has directed funds toward other initiatives, including a reported $130 million donation to support U.S. military personnel during a federal shutdown last year. He has also contributed to causes such as an anti-vaccine advocacy group linked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is closely affiliated with Mellon.
A representative for Mellon declined to comment on his political donations or the reasons behind his current giving patterns. As more financial disclosures become public later this year, further insight into Mellon’s involvement in this election cycle may emerge.