GOP Scrambles to Stem Midterm Losses Amid Trump’s Declining Popularity
With three weeks to go, Republicans race to protect seats as Trump’s presence may be hurting more than helping.
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Three weeks ahead of the November midterm elections, the Republican Party is urgently trying to contain potential losses in key congressional races as President Donald Trump’s popularity wanes and voter anger grows over the Iran war and rising living costs.
Republicans Shift Strategy to Protect Vulnerable Seats
Faced with a grim outlook, GOP leaders are reallocating resources away from Democratic-leaning districts to shore up traditionally safe Republican seats now at risk. This strategic narrowing reflects growing fears of losing control of both the House and Senate. Top Republicans managing House spending plan to focus heavily on winnable races while cutting back on those where their candidates are faltering.
Trump’s Campaigning Efforts Draw Mixed Reactions
Despite months of urging President Trump to campaign for crucial candidates, some Republicans worry his involvement may be counterproductive. One House Republican seeking re-election bluntly stated: “Trump is dragging the party down.” Trump has campaigned intensively in Texas, visiting three times in one month to support Attorney General Ken Paxton, whose Senate race against Democrat James Talarico has been complicated by damaging audio leaks and a bruising primary.
Massive Spending Yet Limited Impact
The GOP maintains a significant cash advantage, boosted by pro-Trump super PAC MAGA Inc., but heavy spending has not translated into improved prospects. The Senate Leadership Fund, the top GOP super PAC for Senate races, recently suspended ad buys in North Carolina and redirected at least $10 million to Kansas—a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1932. Additionally, $5 million was invested in South Carolina to support incumbent Sen. Darline Graham amid concerns over Democrat Annie Andrews’ surge.
Polling and Race Shifts Signal Trouble
Recent polling has been discouraging for Republicans. The Cook Political Report moved 18 House races toward Democrats last Friday, including five toss-up seats in Iowa, Pennsylvania, and Washington. Senate hopefuls in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina trail in polls, while Democratic candidates are making unexpected gains in solidly red states such as Alaska and Kansas. Michigan GOP strategist Jason Roe described the environment as dire: “I don’t know that the environment could possibly get worse than it is.”
Inside the White House, Trump and his advisers acknowledge the uphill battle but remain hopeful that the GOP can limit losses. They anticipate polls will tighten as the campaign’s final days bring more advertising and increased Republican voter engagement. One House Republican candidate cautioned, “I’m not saying we are going to f***ing win, it is going to be so great. No, I am not saying that. But do we get wiped out? No, we aren’t gonna get wiped out.”
