Thune Predicts GOP Senate Majority Outperformance Amid Shifting Campaign Funds

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., predicts Republicans will retain their Senate majority, asserting that current polling under-reflects the GOP's support and that the party will outperform expectations on Election Day. Thune acknowledged that several contests have tightened, with some potentially slipping away from Republicans, but maintained that the party is not conceding any races.

His comments come as Republican-aligned groups, including the Senate Leadership Fund, have shifted millions of dollars away from struggling candidates in races like Georgia and North Carolina. In Georgia, the Senate Leadership Fund reportedly redirected funds from supporting Rep. Mike Collins, R-Ga., against Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., to Kansas. The shift to Kansas aims to bolster Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., in what has become an unexpectedly tight race. Similarly, outside funding has diminished in North Carolina's race for retiring Sen. Thom Tillis' seat, where former RNC co-chair Michael Whatley faces former Gov. Roy Cooper.

Even former President Donald Trump has expressed concern about the North Carolina race, stating, "I hope he wins. He was a great leader for the whole Republican Party when I won, and he’d be a great senator." Trump recently held a rally for Whatley.

Thune emphasized that while many races are considered 'jump balls' or within the margin of error, he believes the polling data does not accurately represent the Republican vote. He stated that the key to success in these close contests will be mobilizing low-propensity voters, particularly those aligned with Trump, and winning over the middle of the electorate. Turnout, he noted, will be a significant factor in determining outcomes on Election Day. Resources are being invested in these efforts, which Thune believes could make the difference in securing a Republican Senate majority.