John Bolton PAC endorses 6 Republicans in tight House races

John Bolton’s political action committee is endorsing six Republicans locked in competitive House races who he believes will prioritize national security in order to prevent another terrorist attack on U.S. soil.

{mosads}John Bolton PAC, led by the former United Nations ambassador and foreign policy hawk, is donating a total of $35,000 to GOP incumbents and candidates running in some of the most competitive House battlegrounds in the West this year.

In California, he’s backing GOP Reps. Jeff Denham and David Valadao; Sheriff Scott Jones (R), who is running against Democratic Rep. Ami Bera; and businesswoman Denise Gitsham (R) who is challenging Democratic Rep. Scott Peters.

Bolton’s endorsements also include freshman Rep. Cresent Hardy (R-Nev.) and businessman Danny Tarkanian (R), who are running in competitive Nevada districts that House Democrats are heavily targeting.

Hardy is defending his Democratic-leaning seat against state Sen. Ruben Kihuen (D). Tarkanian, son of legendary basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, is running for the seat being vacated by Rep. Joe Heck (R-Nev.). He faces a challenge from former synagogue leader Jacky Rosen (D).

“The attack in San Bernardino is evidence that the threat of terrorism persists across the U.S.,” Bolton said. “It is imperative that the western United States is represented by Republican leaders who put security first and will vote for strong national defense policies that ensure we identify, combat, and defeat our enemies effectively.”

So far this cycle, Bolton’s PAC has donated $442,000 and endorsed 61 down-ballot candidates.

Democrats feel emboldened that they can put the House in play with GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump potentially hurting down-ballot candidates. But the party faces an uphill battle; Democrats need to net 30 seats to take control of the lower chamber.