Billionaires have been flooding the midterms with cash, but one of the GOP’s most reliable megadonors just went silent

Ronald Lauder, a prominent GOP donor, has stopped making political donations ahead of the 2026 midterms, contrasting with other billionaires who continue to fund Republican campaigns. American billionaires have contributed over $433 million to the midterms, with most funds backing Republicans, though Lauder's withdrawal could impact New York GOP efforts as Gov. Kathy Hochul faces re-election.