DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Republicans are adjusting their strategies in several battleground U.S. House races, with reports indicating a retreat from certain districts while Democrats are increasing fundraising efforts to support candidates previously considered long shots. The Congressional Leadership Fund, a prominent House Republican super PAC, has canceled spending in four races across the Midwest and East Coast, while boosting investments in 16 other races from Texas to Pennsylvania. Additionally, another super PAC associated with former President Donald Trump is reducing its spending in a competitive district in Las Vegas.
These changes were disclosed by three Republican campaign officials who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss private strategy conversations. In contrast, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is focusing on Republican-held districts and aims to raise millions of dollars in the coming week to fund advertising efforts that could potentially secure additional seats.
The shifting financial strategies in the final weeks of the midterm campaigns suggest a defensive stance from Republicans, who have already lowered their expectations in U.S. Senate races, while Democrats are attempting to leverage President Trump's low approval ratings. Republican strategist Stu Sandler noted, "You can tell now where people are competing based on where they're putting the money."
David McIntosh, president of the conservative Club For Growth, remarked that only a few opportunities exist for Republicans to gain seats this election cycle. He pointed to dissatisfaction among voters regarding the Republican majority and the failure to pass the SAVE America Act, a proposal for stricter voting regulations.
The Congressional Leadership Fund has ceased advertising in Iowa's 1st District, where three-term Republican Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is defending her seat against Democrat Christina Bohannan. The previous election was decided by just 799 votes, making it one of the closest races in the country. The group is also pulling back in New Jersey's 7th District, where Republican Rep. Tom Kean faces scrutiny over his absence from Congress and his support for Trump's tariffs.
These races have accounted for $13.3 million in spending by the Congressional Leadership Fund, which represents over 12% of its total expenditures through October 13. The fund will redirect resources to districts where Trump narrowly defeated Democrat Kamala Harris in 2024.
In Nevada's 3rd District, the Safety and Affordability PAC, linked to MAGA Inc., has withdrawn nearly $1 million in ad spending aimed at supporting Republican Marty O'Donnell against Democratic Rep. Susie Lee.
Sandler emphasized the need for Republicans to mobilize voters who typically participate in presidential elections but may not turn out for midterms. He stated, "One thing you can't say is that they've been under-resourced; Republican resources are at a high. They've never been this well-funded in the midterm."
As Republicans pull back, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee believes that at least a dozen more races could be competitive, provided they secure additional funding. The committee has initiated a $17 million fundraising campaign, with a deadline of October 22, to enhance advertising efforts in districts previously deemed out of reach.
One target is Ohio's 10th District, represented by 12-term Republican Rep. Mike Turner, who Democrats consider vulnerable despite his previous electoral success. The National Republican Congressional Committee has recently begun spending in this district.
If the Democratic committee achieves its fundraising goal, it plans to invest in the Miami area, suburban St. Louis, Missouri, and the Little Rock, Arkansas area, benefiting from lower advertising rates available to candidates due to a Supreme Court decision.
Senate Republicans are also increasing spending in Nebraska to protect Sen. Pete Ricketts, indicating a shift in their priorities from battleground states to defending previously secure seats. The Senate Leadership Fund announced a $15 million investment in Nebraska, where Ricketts faces independent Dan Osborn, who is supported by Democrats.
The Senate Leadership Fund has also ramped up spending in Ohio's Senate race, bringing its total investment there to $45 million in support of Republican Sen. Jon Husted against Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown. This investment follows new spending in Kansas and South Carolina, states that Trump won by significant margins in 2024.
Democrats are also reallocating their resources, with the Senate Democrats' main spending arm withdrawing advertising from Georgia to focus on Maine, New Hampshire, Michigan, Iowa, Kansas, Texas, Alaska, and Ohio. These strategic shifts occur as both parties finalize their spending plans in the race for Senate control, with Democrats highlighting their candidates and the political landscape as potential advantages against Republican funding.
In a letter to fellow senators, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming elections, stating, "Will the unprecedented tsunami of Republican money defeat the massive Democratic advantage in candidates, policies, and political climate?"