Republican officials are warning that the party’s Senate hopes in North Carolina and Georgia are slipping, and they are urging a tighter focus on races where the GOP can secure victories.

Strategic spending on the table

Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina told reporters, “You spend the money where we get Republicans elected. I want them to do that now.” The message echoes a broader call from Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who said the GOP is “erecting a big wall around all of our candidates” to protect resources.

Veteran strategist Karl Rove was blunt at the Texas Tribune Festival, stating, “We’re not going to win either one.” His assessment reflects recent polling that shows GOP challengers Mike Collins in Georgia and Michael Whatley in North Carolina lagging behind incumbents Jon Ossoff and Roy Cooper.

Funding shifts and campaign concerns

Old North Action, a GOP super PAC, cut its ad reservations in North Carolina by about a third last week, a clear sign of waning confidence. Yet Whatley told CNN he feels “very comfortable” about securing needed resources.

Collins’ campaign released a memo saying one in ten voters remain “up for grabs,” most of whom supported President Trump in 2024 and are backing Republican gubernatorial candidate Rick Jackson. The memo urges increased ad spending to sway these voters.

Leadership responses

Sen. Tim Scott, NRSC chairman, rejected claims the committee is de‑prioritizing the two states, calling such talk “hogwash.” He praised both Collins and Whatley for narrowing their polling gaps.

Sen. John Cornyn, while hosting a fundraiser for other GOP Senate hopefuls, questioned the wisdom of pouring money into races that may be unwinnable, noting the campaign calendar is only about 40 days away.

Trump’s involvement

President Trump and Vice President JD Vance visited North Carolina recently, underscoring the administration’s continued interest in the race. The Trump administration’s focus on these states aligns with its broader goal of preserving a Republican majority in the Senate.

Outlook

North Carolina has a history of late‑deciding voters, and President Trump won the state by three points in 2024. GOP operatives remain hopeful that strong late‑stage spending could tip the balance, but internal doubts persist as both campaigns face uphill battles.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.