Republicans Cut Funding in Key Races Amid Midterm Struggles

The Republican Party is privately conceding that it will likely lose control of the House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections. Internal polling has prompted top GOP super PACs to cease funding for Representative Tom Kean in New Jersey and Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Iowa. The national party has also stopped spending on an open seat in Nebraska following the retirement of Representative Don Bacon.

Republican lawmakers anonymously blame the decline in prospects on the unpopularity of President Donald Trump, claiming he has made the election all about himself. Additionally, GOP redistricting efforts in Florida and Texas have reportedly backfired, endangering previously safe seats. The party's struggles extend to the Senate, where traditionally red states including Texas, Iowa, and Kansas have become competitive.

Despite these internal concessions, Republicans continue to spend hundreds of millions of dollars to defend their majorities. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are campaigning in red states to shore up support amid economic concerns following the war in Iran. While GOP groups hold a funding advantage—outspending Democrats by nearly $298 million across eight competitive Senate races—strategists warn of a voter enthusiasm gap. Democrats are capitalizing on these vulnerabilities, with the Cook Political Report predicting they could flip between nine and 19 House seats.