Politics · United States · 2 hrs ago
Republicans shift resources as midterm losses threaten control of Congress
Republicans are increasingly worried they could lose seats in the November midterm elections and lose control of Congress.
With three weeks left in the campaign, party officials are shifting money and attention to races they once expected to win comfortably.
The party’s outlook has worsened amid voter anger over the Iran war and rising living costs, while President Donald Trump’s unpopularity has raised concerns that his campaign appearances could hurt some candidates.
In the Senate, Republican groups have redirected spending toward races in Kansas and South Carolina, and more than $100 million has been spent in Texas to support Ken Paxton.
House leaders are also expected to focus their spending on candidates they believe can still win.
A recent election analysis moved 18 House races toward Democrats, including five toss-ups in Iowa, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Democrats are also leading in polls in Georgia and North Carolina and are competing in traditionally Republican states.
The outcome will show whether Republicans can defend their congressional majorities or Democrats can make significant gains.
Republicans are redirecting campaign resources to once-safe seats as they fear losses could cost them control of Congress.
The party’s worsening outlook has led officials to shift spending from Democratic areas toward traditionally Republican districts and states.
Republicans are at risk of losing the House and are also concerned about their Senate majority.
The article says voter anger over the Iran war and rising living costs is contributing to the party’s difficulties.
Some Republicans worry that President Donald Trump’s unpopularity could hurt candidates when he campaigns for them.
- Who
- The Republican Party and its candidates, facing Democratic challengers.
- What
- Republicans are shifting campaign resources toward races they see as winnable amid fears of losing seats in Congress.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026, and says November’s midterm elections are three weeks away.
- Where
- Across battleground states and districts, including Texas, Kansas, South Carolina, North Carolina, Iowa, Pennsylvania and Washington.
- Why
- Polling and voter anger over the Iran war and rising living costs have worsened the outlook for Republicans.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Trump is dragging the party down.
We were all hoping the war was going to be over now, but it’s not.
We shouldn’t have a fight in a place like Texas, but obviously we do.
Republicans pressed President Donald Trump to travel more on behalf of key candidates.
Trump traveled to Texas three times to rally voters for Ken Paxton.
The Senate Leadership Fund invested $5 million in South Carolina to support incumbent Sen. Darline Graham.
Republicans were shifting resources toward once-safe races as they feared losses in Congress.
- Publication date
- October 12, 2026
- Senate Leadership Fund investment in Kansas
- At least $10 million
- Senate Leadership Fund investment in South Carolina
- $5 million
- Senate Leadership Fund spending in Texas
- More than $100 million
- House races moved toward Democrats
- 18 by the Cook Political Report
Sources
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