MAGA-aligned U.S. Representative Tim Burchett (R-TN) is running for re-election and raising money for his campaign with videos like the one below, which features Burchett at home on his farm.
After “doinking” the heads of two donkeys, Burchett thanks his followers and constituents for their support and encourages supporters to click on a link leading to WinRed.com, the Republican Party’s fundraising platform.
Burchett writes on his WinRed donation page:
“Y’all keep this campaign going one small donation at a time. Most campaigns run on big-money checks and fancy fundraisers.
Mine runs on hardworking folks chipping in $5 here, $10 there, whenever they can spare it.
If we’re gonna keep fightin’ this Swamp, kickin’ shins, and speakin’ plain common sense, I’ll need your continued support. If you can spare a few bucks today, I’d be mighty grateful. Thank y’all for sending me here.”
This campaign ain’t funded by Hollywood money or a fancy political machine pulling the strings.
It’s mostly just patriots giving a little here and there because they still believe common sense matters.
If you can spare a little today, I’d sure appreciate the help.
— Tim Burchett (@timburchett) May 21, 2026
Several MAGA followers responded with praise for Burchett, but professed an unwillingness to send money via WinRed.
As “MAGA Cat Lady” responded: “Is there a way to donate without going through winred? I gave a small donation through them a couple of months ago and got over 150 spam texts afterwards.”
[Note: WinRed was launched in 2019 to compete with the Democratic Party’s fundraising platform ActBlue.]
Another replied: “Tim, I heartily support you, but I will never send another penny via WinRed. 1. A percentage of my donation goes to the RNC and that is a HUGE no! 2. It does ‘smurfing’ just like the Dem’s ActBlue. Maybe to a lesser degree, but WinRed is not a trustworthy platform, either.”
Another supporter wrote: “Half goes to the RNC [expletive] THEM I’ll give to u What’s ur cashapp?”
[NOTE: Burchett is running unopposed in Tennessee’s Republican primary on August 6. He will likely face Democratic candidate Michaela Barnett in the general election. Barnett is a scientist and small business owner who worked in Washington this past year with Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY). Two independents — Bruce Fine and Adam Heimerman — will also be on the ballot in November.]