Reporter Brian Slodysko received a tip from a trusted source: a Trump supporter in Iowa had been duped into running for Congress in a key race as an independent to siphon votes from the Republican. Slodysko asked Iowa-based correspondent Ryan J. Foley to team up to investigate, and the two used interviews and documents to uncover a much bigger story. A secretive group called the Patriots Run Project had promoted itself as a pro-Trump movement to urge conservatives to run for Congress as independents. But the investigation found the group used deceptive tactics and was linked to Democratic consultants and donors seeking to plant spoiler candidates in key races. Foley traveled with AP photographer Charlie Neibergall to Des Moines to interview the Iowa man, Joe Wiederien, who provided AP with a trove of text messages and emails that showed how he was lured into getting on the ballot as an “America First” candidate. The reporters found similar stories across five states, all in House races that could determine which party controls Congress
The story had immediate impact across the nation. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it a “bombshell” that showed Democrats were playing dirty tricks. Several of the Republican House candidates who were targeted also expressed outrage. A conservative watchdog group filed an FEC complaint alleging the group violated campaign finance disclosure law. The story appeared on front pages around the country, spurred local coverage by several print and TV outlets and was credited in segments on Fox News.
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