Forget Republican or Democrat—Who Will Fight for Real Estate?

Column by James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs

The Myth: RPAC is simply another vehicle for supporting one political party over another.

The Fact: Party affiliation does not determine who earns RPAC support. The standard is more meaningful: Who understands the issues, will engage with REALTORS®, has a credible path to victory and will stand up for real estate?

The claim that RPAC is partisan is repeated often. Some believe it supports too many Republicans; others, too many Democrats. That contradiction is telling: party affiliation is not what drives the decision.

RPAC is political because public policy affects property rights, housing opportunities, real estate transactions and the businesses of REALTORS®. But political does not mean partisan. RPAC exists to protect private property rights, expand homeownership and strengthen the real estate market—not to advance a political party.

That is why RPAC evaluates candidates, not parties. Each election cycle, candidates complete questionnaires and participate in virtual interviews with REALTOR® volunteers serving as RPAC Trustees. Trustees consider a candidate’s understanding of housing policy, engagement with REALTORS®, respect for private property rights, support for responsible development and ability to govern effectively.

KCRAR has supported Republicans, Democrats and independents. The deciding factor is not party loyalty, but a demonstrated commitment to sound housing policy, private property rights and a strong real estate market.

Policy alignment is only part of effective advocacy. A candidate may hold the right positions, but without the organization, support and resources to compete, that candidate may never have the opportunity to influence policy.

Trustees therefore weigh campaign viability alongside policy commitment, including fundraising, organization, community support, district dynamics and competitiveness. Principles matter. So does the ability to win, govern and deliver results.

RPAC support is not a symbolic gesture. It is a strategic investment in candidates who can earn a seat at the policymaking table and use it effectively.

Ignoring political reality would not make RPAC more principled; it would make RPAC less effective. Some districts consistently elect Republicans, while others consistently elect Democrats. Recognizing that landscape is not an endorsement of either party. It is the practical judgment required to protect real estate interests where decisions are made.

That judgment must be matched by transparency. Through the monthly Advocacy in Action newsletter, members can see which candidates receive support, how decisions are made and where RPAC contributions are invested.

There is no partisan litmus test, automatic endorsement or predetermined outcome—only a member-led process focused on one question:

Who will fight for homeownership, private property rights, and the real estate industry—and who can deliver?

The answer may be a Republican, Democrat or independent. What matters is not the label, but the record, judgment, viability and commitment behind it.

RPAC does not exist to make either party stronger. It exists to make the voice of real estate informed, credible, strategic and impossible to ignore.