Senate Republicans Weigh Pulling Millions From 2 Southern Races as Majority Map Widens
Updated
Updated · Semafor · Sep 17
Senate Republicans Weigh Pulling Millions From 2 Southern Races as Majority Map Widens
3 articles · Updated · Semafor · Sep 17
Summary
Less than 2 months before Election Day, Senate Republicans are debating whether to shift money away from North Carolina and Georgia, where Roy Cooper and Jon Ossoff still lead GOP challengers.
Trump’s low approval ratings and weak traction for Michael Whatley and Mike Collins have pushed some Republicans to prioritize holding Alaska, Ohio and Iowa and targeting Michigan and New Hampshire instead.
John Thune said it is too early to abandon either state, calling both margin-of-error races, though senators including John Cornyn and Kevin Cramer say limited resources may force a retreat.
Tens of millions are still slated for Georgia and North Carolina, but Republicans are also pouring huge sums into Texas, where some warn another $100 million could jeopardize other Senate defenses.
The fight reflects a broader scramble to preserve at least 1 chamber of Congress as Republicans increasingly fear losing the House and see the Senate map expanding into more difficult territory.