Senate Republicans’ primary super PAC is reallocating substantial funds to support the defense of a Senate seat in Kansas while reducing its financial commitment to a Republican-held seat in North Carolina, sources informed CBS News.
This adjustment highlights the evolving dynamics of the Senate races as the midterm elections approach, particularly as the GOP seeks to protect several states that traditionally lean Republican. The party can afford to lose up to three Senate seats and still maintain its majority, but it is currently navigating a challenging political landscape.
As of Friday, the Senate Leadership Fund has allocated $9.8 million for advertisements in Kansas, according to data from AdImpact. In the 2020 election, the group had invested $17.5 million when Roger Marshall initially secured the seat.
On the other hand, the Senate Leadership Fund has invested over $30 million in the North Carolina Senate race this year, as reported by FEC filings. However, sources indicate that the group has halted any further advertising expenditures in that state.
Semafor was the first to report the strategic shift from North Carolina to Kansas.
In Kansas, incumbent Republican Senator Roger Marshall is working to thwart pastor Adam Hamilton’s bid to become the first Democrat to represent the state in the Senate since 1932. A recent poll suggests the race is extremely close, with Hamilton aiming to leverage voter dissatisfaction over rising energy prices and the conflict in Iran.
The newly allocated funds are expected to saturate Kansas media with advertisements targeting Hamilton. In an advertisement released on Thursday, Marshall’s campaign accused Hamilton of concealing child abuse incidents associated with his church. Hamilton has countered these allegations in a response ad, asserting that the church investigated claims against a volunteer over two decades ago, reported the findings to law enforcement, and subsequently barred the individual from church activities—information supported by an investigation from the Kansas City Star.
Hamilton characterized the advertisement as “the kind of dirty politics … that everyone despises.”
Tyson Brody, a spokesperson for Hamilton, stated to CBS News: “Washington is panicking over desperate failing politician Roger Marshall. They’re pouring in millions to divert attention from Marshall’s record of supporting the war in Iran, undermining healthcare, and increasing costs on essentials like gas and groceries.”
CBS News has sought comments from Marshall’s campaign regarding these developments.
In North Carolina, polling indicates that former two-term Democratic Governor Roy Cooper holds an advantage over GOP candidate Michael Whatley, a Trump supporter and former chair of the Republican National Committee.
When asked about Whatley’s prospects, former President Trump expressed concern, stating, “I am.” Trump has publicly supported Whatley, describing him as a “great man” and a valuable leader for the Republican Party during his presidency.
Cooper’s campaign manager, Jeff Allen, emphasized that North Carolina remains a “50-50 state,” noting that it has been nearly two decades since a Democrat won a Senate or presidential race there. He asserted that their campaign is focused on securing every vote and ensuring that voters recognize Cooper’s commitment to their interests, contrasting it with Whatley’s perceived self-interest.
In a statement from Whatley’s campaign, spokesperson DJ Griffin remarked: “Cooper recently said about federal elections in North Carolina, ‘Democrats are often ahead until they are not.’ Undecided voters who make late decisions tend to sway the election towards Republicans. We are confident we have the resources to highlight Career Politician Roy Cooper’s 40 years of failures and succeed in November.”
During a private meeting last month, GOP Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, assured colleagues that the party still has a viable path to maintain its majority. He indicated that the committee would concentrate on protecting several key seats, including those in Maine and Texas, while also targeting Democratic-held positions in New Hampshire and Michigan.
“We are engaged in a critical battle, with a record number of competitive races,” Scott remarked.
