Story perspectives

Democrats outspend GOP $32.8M in key Senate races

By Drooid · Sep 24, 2026, 3:08 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Tim Scott: Defend Seats

Sen. Tim Scott said Republicans will defend seats in Maine, Alaska, Ohio, Iowa and Texas.
He added the party will try to flip New Hampshire and Michigan seats.
Internal polls show races tightening in North Carolina and Minnesota.
Democrats will outspend Republicans $32.8 million to $2.3 million on TV in six key states in September.
GOP can lose up to three seats and still keep a 53-47 Senate majority.

Summary

Cook Report: Shifts Races

Cook Political Report moved Kansas Senate race to “lean Republican” and South Carolina to “likely Republican.”
High fuel, fertilizer prices and a Bombardier plant shutdown dominate Kansas race issues.
Democratic pediatrician Annie Andrews and incumbent Sen. Darline Graham will debate Oct 11 via SCETV livestream.
Decision Desk HQ gives Graham a 74% win probability and Andrews 26% in South Carolina.

History

Historical Context

The 1994 Republican Revolution, driven by Newt Gingrich’s Contract with America, flipped eight Senate seats and gave Republicans a 54-46 majority for the first time since 1987. That nationalized, anti-Clinton wave reshaped campaign strategy, a template GOP leaders such as Sen. Tim Scott now apply in today’s Maine, Ohio and Kansas Senate races.

1 of 3

Tim Scott: Defend Seats

Sen. Tim Scott said Republicans will defend seats in Maine, Alaska, Ohio, Iowa and Texas.
He added the party will try to flip New Hampshire and Michigan seats.
Internal polls show races tightening in North Carolina and Minnesota.
Democrats will outspend Republicans $32.8 million to $2.3 million on TV in six key states in September.
GOP can lose up to three seats and still keep a 53-47 Senate majority.

1 / 3