TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) — The Senate Leadership Fund, a super PAC associated with Senate Republicans, is reducing its campaign spending in North Carolina and increasing its investment in Kansas, indicating a strategic shift as the party prepares for the upcoming midterm elections in November. This decision was reported on Friday by four anonymous sources familiar with the internal strategy.
The reallocation of resources suggests a lack of confidence in Michael Whatley, the Republican candidate for Senate in North Carolina, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Trump expressed concern about Whatley's chances, stating, "I am worried about him. I hope he wins."
The changes reflect a significant shift in the Senate race landscape, with Republicans initially believing they had more opportunities to flip Democratic-held seats than they had incumbents at risk. Now, they are investing in states that Trump won by substantial margins in the previous election cycle.
In Kansas, Republican Senator Roger Marshall is seeking re-election against Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, who leads the largest United Methodist Church in the U.S. The Senate Leadership Fund has committed nearly $8.2 million in advertising to support Marshall over the next month, while Marshall himself has reserved an additional $2.3 million, with another $500,000 from other groups. In contrast, Hamilton has reserved only $590,000 in advertising and received just over $556,000 in outside support.
Marshall won his first Senate race by more than 11 percentage points in 2020, but rising fuel costs and economic concerns have made Kansas more competitive for Democrats. Jeanna Repass, chair of the Kansas Democratic Party, noted that farmers in Kansas are struggling due to high diesel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Former Kansas Governor Mike Hayden, a Republican, announced his endorsement of Hamilton, becoming the second former Republican governor to support the Democrat. Lauren French, a spokesperson for the Senate Majority PAC, the Democrats' spending arm, stated that Republicans are aware of Hamilton's potential to win.
Senator Tim Scott, chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, acknowledged that Kansas is competitive and expects Marshall's race to be closer than desired. Historically, a Democrat has not won a Senate race in Kansas since 1932.
Recent events in Topeka showed strong support for Hamilton, with many attendees at a campaign event. Some local residents expressed concerns about potential negative campaigning from Republicans.
The Senate Leadership Fund had initially planned to spend $18 million in North Carolina over the next month, having already invested approximately $32 million there. Trump campaigned with Whatley last month, emphasizing the importance of high fuel prices in the context of national security.
In North Carolina, Republicans have held both Senate seats since 2015, despite Democratic Governor Roy Cooper winning two terms. Jeff Allen, Cooper's campaign manager, stated they are focused on earning every vote and believe they have the resources to highlight Cooper's record.
Challenges also persist for Republicans in Georgia, where they are concerned about their nominee, U.S. Rep. Mike Collins, against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff. Winning the Senate majority remains a challenge for Democrats, who would need to defeat multiple Republican incumbents in various states while facing significant Republican funding.
This report was contributed by Thomas Beaumont and Joey Cappelletti of the Associated Press, with additional reporting from Steve Peoples, Lisa Mascaro, and Collin Binkley.