Top GOP groups scale back North Carolina spending
The Senate Leadership Fund’s decision to pause future spending is the latest evidence Republicans are not confident Michael Whatley can win in a state President Donald Trump carried three times.
Leading Republican groups are reducing their spending in the North Carolina Senate race, signaling that the traditionally competitive swing state is no longer a priority. The Senate Leadership Fund, the primary Senate GOP super PAC, has paused its future spending in North Carolina and redirected funds to Kansas, according to a source familiar with the change.
SLF previously allocated over $30 million to support GOP nominee Michael Whatley, but public polling indicates that Whatley is unable to narrow the gap against Democratic candidate Governor Roy Cooper. Republicans are now focusing on other must-win races and deep-red states, given concerns about the Iran war, high fuel prices, and other economic factors.
Other major Republican groups, such as Americans for Prosperity Action and Old North Action, have also cut back on North Carolina spending. NRSC has not allocated funds for Whatley's race, and the candidate himself has struggled to build name recognition. Despite Whatley's efforts to remain confident, recent polls show Cooper leading by double digits, and private polling has remained stagnant.
While Republicans acknowledge the challenges in North Carolina, Democrats remain optimistic, noting that the state remains a 50-50 battleground.
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