Aides to former President Donald Trump have indicated that they see limited opportunities for Republicans to retain control of the House of Representatives in the upcoming midterm elections. Instead, they are focusing efforts on maintaining a majority in the Senate. This assessment comes from discussions between GOP officials and White House aides over recent weeks, according to three sources familiar with the situation.
The White House is reportedly in damage-control mode, acknowledging the possibility of losing both chambers of Congress for the first time. Republican congressional leadership has reassessed races they previously believed they could win, with some now deemed unattainable. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a super PAC associated with Speaker Mike Johnson, has withdrawn advertising from Democratic districts in Michigan and Ohio, as well as from a Republican seat in Nebraska being vacated by retiring Congressman Don Bacon. Additionally, ad reservations in two House races in New Jersey and Iowa have been canceled.
White House aides are now concentrating on defending the Senate majority, which is still viewed as competitive, albeit challenging. Early mail ballot returns in key battleground states have been encouraging, suggesting that the Senate remains in play. Trump officials have discussed strategies for winning Senate seats in Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio to create a barrier against Democratic gains.
However, they appear to have conceded defeat in North Carolina, where the Senate Republicans’ campaign arm has halted ad spending since early October. White House spokesperson Liz Huston stated, "President Trump is committed to maintaining Republican majorities in both the House and Senate."
The current political climate for Republicans is described as difficult, exacerbated by high gas and living costs linked to the Iran war, which are resonating with voters. With 20 days remaining until the election, Trump officials are prioritizing turnout among the MAGA base rather than targeting swing voters, who polls indicate are not favoring Republicans.
Republican National Committee spokesperson Natalie Baldassare emphasized the party's focus on winning and expanding majorities, stating, "We're thinking outside the box to fight the typical midterm precedent."
Trump has been actively campaigning, visiting states where Republican candidates are struggling. He recently held events in Ohio and Alaska to support Republican candidates Dan Sullivan and Jon Husted. Additionally, Trump is scheduled to host a high-priced fundraiser at his Mar-a-Lago club to bolster campaign funds.
Despite his efforts, Trump's approval ratings remain low, and he has not participated in rallies for some Republican candidates, such as Ashley Hinson in Iowa, who has distanced herself from him on certain issues. This report is part of Hugo Lowell’s Inner Loop newsletter.