Sep 29, 2026
National Republican groups are making massive late investments in Senate races in traditionally safe states like Texas and Kansas as new polling shows Democrats competitive. GOP operatives express concern about defending seats once considered secure.
Multiple polls show Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa leading or tied with Gov. Greg Abbott, while Senate candidate James Talarico runs competitively against Ken Paxton. The results suggest potential Democratic gains in a state that has been reliably Republican for decades.
Two Trump-backed super PACs have reserved over $150 million in advertising, primarily targeting deep red House and Senate races that have become unexpectedly competitive. The spending surge comes as Republicans show signs of panic with just weeks until Election Day, with races like Ohio's Senate contest requiring millions in emergency funding.
Democrats are expanding their competitive map in the 2026 Senate midterms, with forecasts showing them leading in nine of twelve competitive races. Republicans face challenges from Trump's slipping approval ratings and Elon Musk's controversial campaign spending on divisive issues.
Julian Beaudion, the Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in South Dakota, withdrew from the race just before the ballot removal deadline, leaving independent candidate Brian Bengs as the sole challenger to Republican incumbent Sen. Mike Rounds in the deep-red state.
President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican primary runoff against incumbent Senator John Cornyn, one week before the election. The endorsement came despite advisers urging Trump to support Cornyn, citing concerns about Paxton's baggage.