Principle Of Power II
Reflect and Adjust.
So, yesterday, the Principle of Power piece from the middle of March received a little attention, and Heath Mayo, the Founder of Principles First and the topic of the article, responded, although not directly to me…
First, let me say that while I criticize Heath, I think it’s important to recognize that what he is trying to do is very difficult, and he should be commended on the things he has done well, like organizing and building professional relationships within the sphere of power. I do not believe Heath is a grifter; I just don’t think he has surrounded himself with the right people.
Having said that, his organization is doomed to failure unless something changes fast. Heath's defense to criticism is that his organization is all volunteer. However, he doesn’t address the elephant in the room.
What is the point of Principles First?
Principles First recruited me to their conference several years ago, told me the house was on fire, and instead of asking me for help putting out the fire they asked me to sit down and listen to Heath give a 15-minute speech on Principles. Successful political movements organize discontent, and since 2020, there has been a lot of discontent out there. Yet from the first conference I attended to the 2025 conference, I have listened to a lot of talk and seen very little action. I wanted to help, but I wasn’t given anything to do.
Meanwhile, the person they told me started the fire, Donald Trump, won the presidency again. From what I can see, Principles First did very little to stop him other than support a rapidly aging democratic incumbent. It’s great that they have an all-volunteer staff, but what does that matter?
It’s not too late, though. If Heath leaned into his positive skills and found others to compliment him, Priciples First could have a big impact in 2026. Trump’s favorability is dropping fast, and the amount of discontent to be organized is higher than normal. Principles First could capitalize by putting an actionable plan together that includes fundraising, messaging, and candidate recruitment.
Instead of pitching an anti-Trump message, they should pivot to a pro-solutions message. The rule of law and the constitution are under attack. Great, what are we doing about it? The solution is congressional reform.
Additionally, they need to recognize the reason for Trump’s rise. He is in power because others failed. Americans want solutions for immigration, energy, housing, and the national debt. What is Priciples First going to do about these issues?
As Mark Hanna said, “There are two things that are important in politics. The first is money and I can’t remember what the second one is.” Principles first needs to fundraise and then invest in candidates who have the right message for their constituents. They should take a page out of the Reagan Caucus playbook and focus on primary races for the lower chamber. We need better leaders in the House of Representatives, and Principles first could make that happen.
By sharing the stage and recruiting talent, Heath and Principles First would increase their political power. And giving followers more to do would increase productivity and the organization’s footprint. Just because you're down doesn’t mean you're out. Sometimes, you just have to reflect and adjust.
If you are someone who feels left out of the Principles First movement, check out Uncap The House Space from last night on X. If you like it, reach out, we will give you something to do.
Peace and Love,
Jeff Mayhugh