Senate Republicans are getting smoked in fundraising

Republican Senate candidates are struggling to raise enough money to compete with their Democratic rivals. In a handful of key races, the gap between the two sides is enormous. In Texas, Democrat James Talarico raised $60.2 million compared to Republican Ken Paxton's $10.2 million. Georgia saw Democrat Jon Ossoff outraise Republican Mike Collins by $33.1 million to $2.8 million.

In North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper raised $12.2 million against Republican Michael Whatley's $2.1 million. Michigan saw Democrat Abdul El-Sayed raise $33 million to former Rep. Mike Rogers' $10 million. Maine's Democratic incumbent, Susan Collins, raised $20.5 million versus Republican Susan Collins' $5.2 million. Ohio Democrats raised $23.1 million against GOP Sen. Jon Husted's $4.8 million.

Iowa's Democratic challenger, Josh Turek, raised $13.9 million to Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson's $3.3 million. Alaska Democrat Mary Peltola raised $17 million against Republican Dan Sullivan's $2.7 million. In New Hampshire, Democrat Chris Pappas raised $8.1 million to Republican John Sununu's $1.5 million. Kansas Democrat Adam Hamilton raised nearly $9.9 million against Republican Roger Marshall's $866,000.

Together, these Democratic campaigns raised more than five times as much as the Republican candidates. Even worse, some Republicans are entering the final stretch with less than $1 million remaining. Marshall and Whatley both entered October with less than $1 million cash on hand. The data doesn't include joint fundraising committees, which could provide additional funds.

Democrats have consistently raised more money from individual candidates this election cycle. The large cash advantage for Democrats is crucial since candidates can secure TV ads at a lower cost, allowing their donations to go farther. Republicans are getting some help from outside groups, particularly billionaire Elon Musk and President Donald Trump's MAGA Inc., who have donated hundreds of millions of dollars to GOP super PACs.

However, the recent Supreme Court ruling that allows party committees to spend unlimited money in coordination with candidates could help Republicans offset some of the differences.