The Senate Leadership Fund, the GOP's largest Senate-focused super PAC, has paused ad buying in North Carolina and shifted a seven-figure effort to Kansas, after spending more than $30 million in North Carolina this cycle. The move follows polling that shows Republican Michael Whatley trailing Democrat Roy Cooper and other conservative groups trimming support. SLF’s pivot aims to shore up Sen. Roger Marshall in Kansas and reflects broader Republican reprioritization of resources ahead of the midterms.
Top GOP Senate Super PAC Pauses North Carolina Ads, Redirects Seven-Figure Push To Kansas
Republican US Senate candidate Michael Whatley looks on as US Vice President JD Vance speaks during a rally at Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, North Carolina, on September 21. - Kent Nishimura/Pool/Getty Images
The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF), the largest Republican super PAC focused on Senate contests, has paused its ad buying in North Carolina and redirected a seven-figure advertising effort to Kansas, according to a person familiar with the group's plans and reporting from Semafor.
SLF has already invested more than $30 million in North Carolina this cycle, but GOP nominee Michael Whatley has trailed Democratic candidate and former Gov. Roy Cooper in most recent polls. The decision to reallocate funds signals a strategic shift as Republicans focus resources where they believe the Senate map is most vulnerable.
In Kansas, the SLF move aims to bolster incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall, who faces a competitive challenge from Democrat Adam Hamilton, a pastor. Sen. J.D. Vance recently visited Kansas to campaign with Marshall, underscoring the party’s concern about the race.
Other Signs Of Strain For Whatley
Other conservative groups have also adjusted their spending in North Carolina. Old North Action reduced its ad reservations in the state by roughly one-third last month. Separately, Americans for Prosperity Action announced a $22 million ad program through Election Day backing five Republican Senate candidates — notably excluding Whatley.
Whatley has downplayed worries about outside funding, telling a radio interviewer he feels "very comfortable" he will have the resources needed to win.
"The fact that the biggest Republican Senate Super PAC took its money out of North Carolina today and put it into Kansas says all you need to know about which direction the Senate Majority is headed," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote on X.
"Undecided voters who break late decide the election in North Carolina and the majority of those late-breakers typically go Republican," Whatley spokesperson D.J. Griffin said in a statement, adding the campaign is "confident" it has the money to defeat Cooper.
What This Could Mean
Republican strategists appear to be triaging resources ahead of the midterms, prioritizing contests they view as more salvageable. Some in the party have suggested scaling back commitments not only in North Carolina but also in other competitive states such as Georgia, where Rep. Mike Collins faces an uphill contest against Sen. Jon Ossoff.
This report was updated with additional information.
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