Senate Republican campaign chief Steve Daines is focused on securing a majority in the Senate in the upcoming elections. Despite a favorable Senate map for Republicans this year, Daines is not aiming for a red wave or a large GOP majority, but rather just the majority with 51 seats. Democrats currently control the Senate by a slim margin of 51-49, but with Democrats defending 23 of the 34 seats up for grabs, Republicans see an opportunity to make gains.
The GOP is specifically targeting six key Senate seats held by Democrats that they aim to flip in November. Three of these seats are in red states that former President Trump carried in 2020, including Ohio, Montana, and West Virginia where Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin is not seeking re-election. Republicans are also eyeing battleground states where they believe they have a strong chance of winning, such as Maryland, where popular former Republican Governor Larry Hogan is running for the Senate.
Daines, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee, is aligned with Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell in moderating expectations for sweeping victories in the midterms. Unlike his predecessor, Sen. Rick Scott, who predicted a 55-seat GOP majority, Daines is focusing on finding candidates who can win both primary elections and general elections. The goal is to make every general election race competitive by having candidates who can succeed in both the primary and general elections.
In 2022, the GOP faced some setbacks in Senate elections, with blame being placed on former President Trump’s influence in shaping key primary battles. However, in 2024, Trump and the NRSC have been working together to recruit candidates who can win primaries and general elections, with Daines citing a strong relationship and trust between Trump and himself. Despite some heated primary contests, the NRSC is optimistic about their chances in November.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee has criticized the NRSC’s roster of recruits, pointing out alleged vulnerabilities and issues with their backgrounds. They argue that the GOP primaries in states like Nevada and Michigan are erupting in chaos, with candidates facing challenges within their own party. However, Daines remains optimistic, pointing to President Biden’s unpopularity as a potential advantage for Republicans in the upcoming elections.
Overall, Daines is focused on securing a majority in the Senate, rather than aiming for a large GOP majority. He emphasizes the importance of finding candidates who can win both primary elections and general elections, as well as maintaining a strong working relationship with former President Trump. Despite criticism from Democrats, Daines is confident in the Republican Party’s chances, citing Biden’s unpopularity as a potential advantage in the upcoming elections.
