The Senate Leadership Fund is canceling all remaining ads in North Carolina, shifting tens of millions of dollars to Kansas as Republicans reassess midterm prospects. The move signals the party no longer sees a path to winning North Carolina, where Senator Thom Tillis is retiring and Democrats nominated former governor Roy Cooper. The Republican nominee, Michael Whatley, faces an uphill battle despite confidence from his spokesman DJ Griffin.
Meanwhile, the fund’s first investment of the cycle in Kansas targets Democratic nominee Adam Hamilton, pastor of the largest United Methodist congregation, in a race where Republicans worry about Senator Roger Marshall’s re-election. Democrats have not won a Kansas Senate seat since 1932. The Senate Leadership Fund had planned to spend $71 million in North Carolina, having already spent over $30 million and reserving $18 million for the final month before the cancellation.
Senator John Thune continues to support Whatley virtually, while Republican candidates are forming dedicated super PACs to insulate themselves from national cuts.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing