GOP Midterm Spending Surge
Republicans shift millions to defend safe seats amid growing midterm economic pressures.
Anonymous
Republican groups and megadonors are shifting resources toward defending seats as concerns grow that economic pressures and dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump could hurt the party in the November 3 midterms. In the Senate, hopes of gains in Georgia and North Carolina have weakened, and strategists are particularly worried about holding North Carolina. In the House, Republicans have begun spending in at least 39 districts once considered safe, with party leaders warning that internal polling shows no race can be taken for granted. Republicans have reserved $888 million in advertising for the coming weeks, compared with Democrats’ $666 million, and Republican-aligned super PACs have spent nearly twice as much as Democratic groups since Labor Day. Rising fuel, energy and fertilizer costs are cited as headwinds in traditionally Republican areas, and Republicans say the spending is intended to protect their narrow House majority.
Key Points
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Some Republicans blame Trump for weakening the party’s midterm position, citing his failure to end the unpopular war in Iran, his dismissal of voters’ concerns about high fuel prices and his late involvement in the campaign.
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Republicans are also spending heavily to defend Texas, and Trump plans to campaign for the GOP incumbent in Ohio—both states he won easily in 2024.
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Republican operatives described the new House spending as taking out “insurance policies” to protect GOP-held districts before Democrats have a chance to attack. Democrats need to gain at least four seats to take the House.
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Republican-leaning super PACs spent about $309.7 million since Labor Day, compared with $174.2 million for Democratic groups, according to Federal Election Commission data cited by Reuters.
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