Republicans are pouring last-minute money into Senate races in Kansas, South Carolina, Nebraska and Mississippi, traditionally red states that have become unexpectedly competitive ahead of the midterm elections. Federal filings reviewed by WIRED show that the Senate Leadership Fund spent $14 million across the four states during the final two weeks of the campaign, highlighting growing concerns about vulnerabilities that could threaten the party’s Senate control.
Republicans defend traditionally safe Senate seats
Republican operatives said they do not expect Democrats to win the Senate seat in question, but they are directing primarily non-Republican groups to support incumbents with narrow leads. They also acknowledge that more resources must be sent to states where President Donald Trump was not expected to see double-digit gains in 2024 and where Republicans now face spending tens of millions of dollars.
The Senate Leadership Fund, an alliance with Senate Republicans, made its largest investment in Kansas, where it suddenly spent more than $5 million. Republican operatives have described the state as a major headache since early October.
Republican pollsters, including Trafalgar Group, determined that Democratic candidate Adam Hamilton held a one-point lead over incumbent Republican Sen. Roger Marshall.
Kansas race draws increased spending
Marshall, a doctor, has faced an unusually difficult campaign following a number of illnesses. One report examined his campaign difficulties, while another detailed legal action he took involving patients with unpaid bills. Reports also said he spent time in Florida. Some political operatives complained that Marshall had not taken the race seriously enough.
Spending rises in South Carolina, Nebraska and Mississippi
The late spending surge extended beyond Kansas. In South Carolina, the Senate Leadership Fund spent about $5 million to support incumbent Darling Graham, who had difficulty energizing President Trump’s supporters despite winning the primary with the president’s backing. Polling has tracked the race.
The fund also spent nearly $3 million in Nebraska to support incumbent Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts, who lags behind in some opinion polls. In Mississippi, the group gave just under $1 million to incumbent Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith.
The final burst of spending underscores the difficult position facing Republicans as they attempt to address what appears to be a growing number of vulnerabilities in traditionally secure Senate states.
Source: www.wired.com