With just 40 days remaining until the midterms, Republican strategists and lawmakers are expressing growing concern that Senate races in North Carolina and Georgia—once viewed as essential to maintaining a GOP majority—are slipping from the party’s reach. Interviews with over a dozen campaign officials and senators reveal a deepening internal debate over whether to continue aggressive spending in these states or pivot resources toward more competitive battlegrounds.
Internal Pressure on Spending
Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has publicly urged the party to prioritize efficiency, stating, “You spend the money where we get Republicans elected,” according to CNN. This sentiment is shared by Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who recently hosted a fundraiser that notably excluded candidates from the struggling North Carolina and Georgia races. Cornyn argued that at this late stage, the party must be pragmatic about where financial resources can still yield a victory.
The skepticism is reflected in recent tactical adjustments. The super PAC Old North Action recently reduced its North Carolina ad reservations by approximately one-third. Meanwhile, in Georgia, Rep. Mike Collins’ campaign is struggling to capture voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 but remain undecided in the Senate race, according to a recent campaign memo.
Differing Perspectives on the Map
Despite the anxiety, party leadership maintains a public front of support. Senate Majority Leader John Thune and NRSC Chairman Sen. Tim Scott have both pushed back against the narrative that the committee is abandoning these states. Scott dismissed suggestions of deprioritizing the races as “hogwash,” asserting that candidates are narrowing the gap in recent polling. Thune headlined a fundraiser for Collins in Atlanta last week, raising over $400,000.
The candidates themselves are maintaining an optimistic outlook. Michael Whatley, the GOP nominee in North Carolina, told CNN he feels comfortable regarding his campaign’s resource levels for the final weeks. However, local GOP strategists have expressed concern that the party’s messaging in North Carolina—heavily focused on crime—is failing to resonate with voters who are more concerned with economic affordability, a narrative currently being successfully leveraged by their Democratic opponent, Roy Cooper.
The Broader Electoral Landscape
The urgency for Republicans is compounded by the need to defend traditionally red seats, including a massive $100 million investment in Texas. As the party faces headwinds nationwide, the inability to quickly secure North Carolina and Georgia forces leaders to choose between attempting to turn around flagging campaigns or fortifying vulnerable incumbents elsewhere. For now, the NRSC continues to maintain its ad reservations, though the party remains locked in a high-stakes calculation as the election approaches.