House Republicans Privately Fear Midterm Majority Is Slipping, CNN Reports
Internal polling and triage talks as cash advantage and redistricting remain GOP hopes
2 min read
File photo: West front of the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Photo: Architect of the Capitol, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Their stated strategy is to keep a potential House speaker Hakeem Jeffries’ margin under 10 seats.
Party leaders remain particularly confident about Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick in Pennsylvania and Mike Lawler in New York. Few expect a wipeout of more than 30 seats, and some still see a path to a narrow majority if gas prices drop before November.
Cash, maps and messaging
Republicans retain a large cash advantage. According to AdImpact data cited by CNN, the GOP is outspending Democrats in every one of the 10 most expensive House races through Election Day, with much spending in newly redrawn Texas and Florida seats. “At the end of the day, redistricting could be the lifesaver either way — either minimizing the losses or the reason we potentially hold onto the majority,” one GOP leadership aide told CNN.
Campaign ads have leaned on taxes, immigration and law enforcement. An AdImpact analysis found that about one-third of GOP House ads in September focused on tax policy, the top issue tracked by the firm.
With control of both chambers of Congress up for grabs, the final weeks will test whether cash and map advantages can offset what many in the party privately describe as a grim national mood.
