A bold new campaign is taking shape across Michigan, Ohio, and Iowa, where the group Home of the Brave has launched hundreds of billboards aimed at criticizing the economic policies of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.

This initiative, part of a larger strategy spearheaded by former Republican strategist Sarah Longwell, emphasizes the economy as a pivotal issue for voters leading into the 2026 elections. Recent polling shows that a staggering 84% of Americans consider the economy to be their primary concern.

After the initial success of earlier billboard placements, Home of the Brave expanded its campaign to include 350 billboards in these three states. Originally launched over the summer as “Sticker Shock Summer,” the campaign has seen a substantial financial commitment, with $1.25 million spent initially and an additional $1 million invested in this latest phase.

The billboards display striking images of Trump alongside phrases such as “Higher grocery prices” and “Gas prices,” drawing direct connections to rising inflation and the cost of living. “Tariffs supported by Republicans” is another part of the message, linking current economic woes to past policy decisions.

The campaign’s strategy underscores the frustrations of many Americans who blame Trump’s policies for ongoing economic challenges rather than external factors. In a recent AP-NORC poll, only 17% of respondents approved of his handling of the cost of living, while a significant 65% attributed high prices to his policies.

This discontent appears to be resonating even among Republican voters. A recent Pew study highlighted that the percentage of Republicans who believe Trump’s economic policies have improved the situation has plummeted from 57% in January to just 39% by early October.

The rising concern over the affordability crisis, marked by increased energy and grocery prices, poses a challenge for GOP candidates in upcoming elections. As the sector of the Republican coalition focused on the economy becomes increasingly dissatisfied, the party faces a tightrope walk of defending an unpopular economic record while attempting to mobilize an anxious voter base.

Longwell, a member of Home of the Brave’s advisory board, expressed the urgency of the situation. “Job number one is winning back Congress. Once we do that, we can start finally holding this administration accountable,” she stated, highlighting the group’s broader political ambition.

The “Sticker Shock Summer” campaign is not solely limited to billboards. It comprises a massive $15 million education and mobilization effort, expanding beyond the initial three states to encompass 16 states, including Pennsylvania, Kansas, and Wisconsin.

Trump has positioned himself as a central figure in the upcoming elections, telling his supporters, “I’m on the ballot.” This framing aligns seamlessly with Longwell’s strategy to capitalize on economic frustrations and reframe the narrative around Trump and the Republican leadership.

The deteriorating view of Trump’s economic management amidst a backdrop of inflation, soaring grocery bills, and rising fuel costs could significantly narrow Republicans’ chances of retaining power in the upcoming elections. With the stakes so high, Longwell’s campaign tactically aims to draw attention to these critical economic issues.

Political analysts suggest that Longwell’s initiatives are indicative of a shifting landscape within the Republican party, as disenfranchised strategists seek to hold leadership accountable for prevailing economic challenges.

The mention of the Iran war on the billboards marks an additional effort to connect international conflicts to domestic economic conditions, suggesting that voters perceive a linkage between global events and local prices.

As the midterms approach, the question of how effectively these messages will resonate remains to be seen. Candidates will need to find a way to mitigate the growing dissatisfaction while simultaneously rallying support from their base.

In light of these developments, the movement led by Home of the Brave serves as a lens through which the fractures within Republican support can be understood—an evolving narrative that reveals a party grappling with the implications of its leadership during economic strife.

With the 2026 elections on the horizon, how the Republican landscape shifts in response to internal critiques and economic realities will be closely watched. Longwell and her team are primed to keep the economic discourse alive as a weapon against the GOP’s perceived failures.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the “Sticker Shock Summer” campaign might very well determine not only the fate of Democratic opponents but also the future trajectory of the Republican Party as it navigates the turbulent waters of public sentiment.