Rick Santorum told Newsmax the Democratic "blue wave" expected to shape the 2026 midterms has leveled off and Republicans are starting to make gains after the GOP convention. He attributed the shift to changes in campaign funding tied to anti‑AI sentiment among Democratic grassroots donors and cited a claim that $130 billion in AI data‑center projects were blocked or delayed in Q1 2026. Santorum said Republicans are investing in digital, TV and radio outreach to mobilize low‑propensity voters ahead of the Nov. 3 election.
Santorum: Democratic "Blue Wave" Has Plateaued — GOP Gaining Momentum Ahead Of 2026 Midterms
(Carolyn Kaster/Associated Press)
Former U.S. Senator Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) told Newsmax on Thursday that the Democratic "blue wave" many expected to shape the 2026 midterms has flattened, and Republicans are beginning to regain ground after the GOP’s midterm convention.
Appearing on The Record With Greta Van Susteren, Santorum said he had anticipated a strong Democratic surge as recently as last week, but the trend has "receded a little bit" and "it looks like Republicans are beginning to edge back."
Money, he argued, is driving the shift. While Democrats historically outspend Republicans, Santorum said some billionaire backing for Democrats is evaporating as grassroots activists push back against technology interests—particularly over artificial intelligence.
"They're opposing AI, which is the future of big tech," Santorum said. "I think a lot of that money is drying up for them."
Santorum pointed to what he described as local opposition to AI data centers that has, he said, blocked or delayed projects worth about $130 billion in the first quarter of 2026. He said Republicans are redeploying resources across digital platforms, television and radio to reach voters who reliably turn out in presidential years but often skip midterms.
"We're using every mode of communication to reach voters, particularly low‑propensity voters," he said, noting that just over half of presidential-year voters typically cast ballots in midterms. Santorum argued that mobilizing the GOP’s sidelined base could be decisive on Nov. 3.
To underscore changing enthusiasm, Santorum cited analysis from CNN data analyst Harry Enten and pollster Frank Luntz, describing both as non‑Republican sources who, in his view, show rising Republican intensity.
The GOP’s first midterm convention concluded on Sept. 10 in Dallas, where President Donald Trump urged MAGA supporters to "pretend" he was on the ballot as a way to energize the base.
Note: This article reports Santorum’s assessments and claims about fundraising and project delays as presented during the Newsmax interview.
Help us improve.
