The individual featured in a recent ad campaign targeting at-risk House Republicans is, in fact, a leftist activist who has shown support for prior Democrat candidates, as reported by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
The advocacy group, Unrig Our Economy, launched the campaign against Republican Pennsylvania Representative Rob Bresnahan, who endorsed President Donald Trump’s legislation. The ad, lasting 30 seconds, highlights Bresnahan’s alleged actions to diminish Medicaid, but doesn’t mention that the spokesperson, Krysten Xanthis, is a registered Democrat with a documented history of backing Democratic figures.
“He told me he wouldn’t cut Medicaid,” the woman in the ad, Krysten, claims, reflecting her frustration after learning about his vote on a significant Medicaid reduction tied to tax cuts for wealthy individuals.
Xanthis is indeed a registered Democrat. She was elected to the local Democratic body in Pennsylvania in 2022 and previously supported Bresnahan’s Democratic predecessor, Matt Cartwright.
While Xanthis claimed on Facebook to have begun work for the Democratic National Committee in January 2025, a spokesperson denied any record of her involvement. Xanthis did not return requests for comment.
Bresnahan, who won his seat slightly over Cartwright, represents diverse political interests in a region noted for its mixed political landscape. His re-election campaign is deemed “Lean Republican” by political analysts. Cartwright has announced he will not run for his previous seat again.
Unrig Our Economy is reportedly backed by substantial funds from the Sixteen Thirty Fund, a significant entity in dark money donations. This fund has contributed millions to various liberal causes and doesn’t disclose its donors.
The ad campaign is part of a broader Democratic strategy focusing on prominent issues like Medicaid as election season approaches, particularly in districts where many residents rely on Medicaid. Data suggests a significant proportion of Bresnahan’s constituents benefit from this program.
Despite ongoing claims from Democrats about alleged Medicaid cuts, Republicans, including Bresnahan, have consistently disputed these assertions, asserting that their reforms aim to bolster assistance for the most vulnerable while implementing necessary changes.
“Anyone reliant on Medicaid will continue receiving these benefits,” Bresnahan has stated, emphasizing the need for work requirements that can be fulfilled through various activities like education or volunteering.
Republican strategists are examining figures like Xanthis, who, they argue, are utilized by Democrats to push their narrative.
“Democrats are misrepresenting Rep. Rob Bresnahan’s commitment to Medicaid,” NRCC spokeswoman Maureen O’Toole said, describing the attack as politically motivated.
Xanthis had also participated in anti-Trump protests and has been vocal about her opposition to Bresnahan, questioning his support for Medicaid after he endorsed the president’s agenda. She has a documented history of engaging with Democratic efforts, including campaigning for Cartwright.
In light of her activist background, it appears that her participation in the ad aligns with a broader strategy from left-leaning groups that advocate for expanding healthcare access, arguing that current Republican proposals threaten to reduce coverage for many.
Organizations on both sides continue to engage in discussions about the future of Medicaid, particularly around the labor requirements being introduced, which could impact a sizable number of recipients.
Debates surrounding these reforms remain heated, with critics arguing they could undermine essential assistance while proponents argue they aim to enhance program integrity.
