‘We need to stop the contagion’: GOP ramps up midterms defense in Trump states
Senior Republicans say the Midwest is a growing problem as they race to keep control of the House and Senate.
The Republican Party is actively defending its majority in the upcoming midterms, particularly in states that President Donald Trump won in 2024. With voter discontent over rising prices, the GOP is focusing on securing Republican-held districts, where they have a significant cash advantage. Since August 1, over $110 million in ads has been spent in Republican-held House districts, with nearly $18 million directed at vulnerable incumbents in Ohio and Texas.
In the Senate, Republicans are backing Jon Husted in Ohio's closely contested race, as well as in Iowa and Kansas. The party is also re-evaluating its Senate map strategy, with less optimism about North Carolina despite Trump's win there in 2024. GOP leaders believe their financial edge allows them to bolster Republican incumbents and deter Democratic gains.
However, internal polling suggests Trump's approval ratings are below 50% in several deep-red states, and a recent Iowa poll shows Democrat Josh Turek leading President Trump by a single point.
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