This trend is evident in several key states, where retiring or ousted GOP incumbents are choosing not to get involved in the campaigns of those seeking to replace them. In Texas, for instance, outgoing Senator John Cornyn has raised money for various Republican Senate candidates, but has not extended the same support to Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Paxton's primary victory over Cornyn was backed by Trump, and since then, Cornyn has been vocal about his concerns regarding Paxton's vulnerabilities as a candidate. He has even suggested that Democrats could potentially flip Texas blue for the first time in decades.

In North Carolina, Senator Thom Tillis is another example of an outgoing Republican who appears to be distancing himself from his party's chosen candidate, former RNC Chair Michael Whatley. Despite their differences with Trump on policy, Tillis has played a relatively minor role in supporting Whatley's campaign against Democrat Roy Cooper.

Tillis' reluctance to get involved in the North Carolina Senate campaign is particularly noteworthy given Whatley's struggles to close the gap with Cooper.

Outgoing Republicans are facing criticism for their reluctance to support their potential successors in key Senate battlegrounds.

Several lawmakers have come to the defense of these outgoing senators, citing their past contributions to the party and its successes.

North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer praised Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, stating that they "have contributed immensely" to the party's achievements.

Cramer's comments reflect a growing divide within the Republican Party, with some members seeking a return to pre-Trump era priorities and values.

This tension is playing out in several Senate battlegrounds where Republicans are struggling to maintain their seats.

The lack of support from outgoing Republican lawmakers is proving to be a significant challenge for their potential successors.

In North Carolina's Senate race, Thom Tillis' decision not to seek reelection last year has been cited as one reason why his former colleague Mark Meadows hasn't been more actively involved in the campaign.

However, some argue that Meadows could have made a difference if he had chosen to stay in the state and help keep the seat competitive.

By failing to do so, the party is now facing a potential wipeout on November 3.

Many Republicans who are stepping down from office this year are choosing not to endorse their successors, a move that has drawn criticism from more Trump-aligned forces within the party.

Some of these outgoing lawmakers have been vocal in their criticism of the party's increasingly polarized politics, with Representative Mark Amodei from Nevada suggesting that the only criteria for supporting a candidate should be whether they are genuinely qualified for the role.

The issue of party loyalty has become a contentious one, with some Trump-aligned groups accusing moderate Republicans of "bedwetting for not falling in line behind the party's most extreme candidates.

Despite facing criticism from within their own party, these outgoing lawmakers have continued to campaign for fellow Republicans, attending events and fundraisers for Senate candidates such as Susan Collins of Maine, Jon Husted of Ohio, and Dan Sullivan of Alaska.

Brian Kemp's endorsement and public support for Mike Collins' Senate campaign have been welcomed by some of Collins' allies, who believe the governor should be more actively involved in helping Republicans win their seats.

A GOP strategist working on races in Georgia expressed frustration that Kemp has not done enough to help Collins' campaign, saying he needs to be on the trail and someone who needs to help if Republicans are going to win". The strategist spoke anonymously due to internal party dynamics.

In response to criticism, a representative for Kemp referred to Collins' statement of support, indicating the governor's involvement in the campaign is limited to public endorsements and fundraisers. Despite this, some Republicans remain unsatisfied with Kemp's level of engagement.

Across the country, other frustrated Republicans have criticized Trump's interference in Senate primaries, accusing him of supporting candidates who are deemed too weak for their roles. Some point to South Carolina as an example of the president's influence.

Rep. Ralph Norman has refused to campaign alongside Sen. Darline Graham, who defeated him in the primary with Trump's backing. Graham faces scrutiny over her lack of experience in elected office and is being outpaced by Democrat Annie Andrews in fundraising efforts.

Norman's decision not to back Graham is a reflection of his own disappointment with Trump's treatment of South Carolina, which he believes was unfair.

In contrast, other outgoing Republicans are showing their support for their handpicked successors, defending them against criticism and attacks. For instance, Bacon is throwing his weight behind Brinker Harding, an Omaha city councilmember who is vying to replace him in a blue-leaning Nebraska district where Bacon's departure has left a power vacuum.

This loyalty to their chosen candidates is evident even when they are not the most popular choice among party members.

Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/26/republicans-trump-spurned-cornyn-tillis-amodei-01134258

In an attempt to capitalize on this sentiment, Democrats consistently sought to tie their opponents to the unpopular president in debate after debate. However, Republicans did not always cooperate with this strategy, as several candidates opted to distance themselves from Trump's policies and actions. This move was particularly evident in blue states where Republican candidates felt compelled to assert their independence.

In New Hampshire, former GOP Senator John Sununu expressed his disconnection from the president, stating that he has "never met President Trump" and emphasizing his willingness to challenge party leadership when necessary. He specifically criticized Trump's policies on trade, Iran, and Ukraine. Similarly, in Minnesota, Republican Senate nominee Michelle Tafoya acknowledged her disagreements with Trump's tariff policy and immigration enforcement.

Tafoya also indicated a reluctance to associate herself directly with the president, responding evasively when asked if she would appear onstage with him. Her comment, "I am talking to Minnesotans. Theirs is the only endorsement that I care about," suggests a focus on local rather than national approval.

Maine's Republican Senator Susan Collins took aim at President Donald Trump's approach on Iran during a recent debate, emphasizing that she has voted against him over 100 times this year.

Meanwhile, Bobby Charles, the GOP nominee for governor and a former official in President George W. Bush's administration, distanced himself from Trump's policies. Some Republicans began to feel frustrated as their opponents repeatedly tried to tie them to the president.

The tactic was met with disdain by some candidates who felt it was an unfair attempt to paint them as beholden to Trump. Former Representative Bob Goodlatte lamented that his opponent was relying too heavily on mentioning Trump in their responses, likening it to a game of bingo.

In contrast, some Republican candidates in redder states showed a willingness to court support from Trump's base, acknowledging the importance of securing votes from his loyal followers.

Some Republican candidates in more conservative states have been eager to appeal to Donald Trump's loyal supporters by criticizing their opponents' policies. In a Senate debate early last month, one candidate pointedly linked inflation to their opponent's backing of the Green New Deal and "Bidenomics.

In contrast, some Democrats running in deep blue states took a decidedly different approach. Susan Collins, a Republican senator from Maine, distanced herself from Trump's hardline stance on trade policy by emphasizing her desire to end the ongoing conflict as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, Democratic candidates across the country have been unanimous in their criticism of Trump's tariffs and their impact on local economies. In Iowa, one state representative warned that the tariffs had caused more harm than any other issue, while another candidate suggested that voters who appreciate record diesel fuel prices should support his opponent.

Several Republican candidates in Georgia have expressed their willingness to defend data centers against local opposition. Rick Jackson, a billionaire businessman running for governor, stated that he would stand up and defend it if voters were opposed to a data center being built in their area.

In other states, there is a growing consensus among politicians about the need for regulations on data centers. In Maine, both Senate candidates agreed that guardrails should be put in place to prevent data centers from increasing utility rates for local residents. This move is seen as a bid to address concerns raised by communities about the impact of these facilities.

In Iowa and New Hampshire, gubernatorial and Senate candidates have also weighed in on the issue. Both Democratic and Republican candidates in Iowa supported ending tax breaks for data center developers, while in New Hampshire, both Senate candidates agreed with GOP Gov. Kelly Ayotte's push for a statewide moratorium on new data centers.

GOP Sen. Chris Sununu of New Hampshire emphasized the importance of local decision-making when it comes to big infrastructure projects like data centers. He argued that these decisions should be left up to state and local leaders, rather than being dictated by the federal government or other external forces.

Sullivan's experience during a debate was a stark reminder that candidates can't rely on pre-prepared answers to navigate complex questions. His attempt to peek at Peltola's answer during a lightning-round question sparked laughter from the audience, highlighting the importance of being prepared for any scenario.

In another instance, Marshall faced criticism in Kansas when he spoke about his residence in both Kansas and Florida, prompting loud murmurs from the crowd with chants of you don't live here. Jackson jumped into the fray with a dismissive comment, which Collins later seized upon to paint him as a hothead.

Jackson's outburst sparked controversy, but he refused to back down, stating that he didn't regret his reaction. This moment has become a focal point in the campaign, with both sides using it to shape public perception.

In Iowa, Hinson took a different approach when answering a question about Social Security, instead choosing to criticize young people's saving habits, saying we also need to be talking about millennials saving money".

In several key states, Republican candidates have declined invitations to debate their Democratic opponents, bucking a trend that might be expected given the party's generally more combative approach.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton refused multiple debate invitations, including one from Fox News, despite encouragement from his party's standard-bearer. In contrast, Ohio Senate hopefuls are still trying to agree on terms for a debate, with no clear resolution in sight. Meanwhile, North Carolina is set to mark its first nearly 30-year absence of a major-party Senate debate without any scheduled showdown.

Democratic governors and nominees have also been reluctant to engage in debates, with Arizona's Katie Hobbs and Ohio's Amy Acton turning down invitations alongside Republican counterparts Greg Abbott of Texas and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama. According to Tuberville, who is running for governor against Doug Jones, the disagreement between them was so fundamental that debating would be pointless.

Politico: https://www.politico.com/news/2026/10/22/senate-governor-debates-midterms-takeaways-01131948

Collins' campaign is built on the idea that she can work with anyone across the aisle. Manchin, a Democrat from West Virginia, has publicly endorsed this view. After dining with Collins, he told reporters that she's not defined by her party affiliation: "She's not a Trump senator, she's not a Republican senator or a Democrat senator."

Collins' strategy is likely influenced by her past successes in tough elections. In 2020, she won re-election by more than 8 points, even as other Republicans struggled to keep up with the Democratic tide. Her seat has become increasingly competitive since Trump lost Maine in 2020, and Collins may be trying to distance herself from the President's influence.

Collins has been vocal about her opposition to Russia's actions in Ukraine. In a recent statement, she described Vladimir Putin as "a warmonger, a thug and emphasized that he is the aggressor in the conflict with Ukraine.

The senator has also spoken out against Trump's handling of the Iran war, stating that the president did not have a clear plan to end the conflict. Her stance on this issue reflects her willingness to diverge from the administration's policies, which she has done on several occasions.

Outside one of Collins' campaign stops, protesters gathered to voice their discontent with her voting record and tenure in office. They held signs referencing her vote to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a move that drew criticism from some constituents.

A Lewiston Democrat, Elaine Makas, who previously served in the state legislature from 2002 to 2008, joined the protest against Senator Collins, expressing gratitude for her service but criticizing her voting record. Despite considering Collins genuinely a nice person, Makas emphasized that being likable is not enough.

Makas echoed Jackson's criticism of Collins' voting habits, suggesting she only disagrees with Trump when it doesn't impact her vote. This sentiment was also reflected in Makas' personal assessment of Jackson, a former state Senate president, whom she knows from their time in the legislature and believes will listen" to Mainers' concerns.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/susan-collins-joe-manchin-maine-senate-trump/

The President's enthusiasm was evident as he described the rallies as game-changers, suggesting they would alleviate difficulties faced by some voters. He claimed these events have already made a significant difference, implying their effect will be felt in the polls.

Margaret Brennan, the moderator, questioned whether the rallies alone could counterbalance the challenges facing Trump's party, particularly in key races such as Texas. The broadcast previewed new polling data on this critical state and featured interviews with Republican representatives, including Ohio's Mike Turner and North Dakota's Kevin Cramer, who shared their perspectives on the presidential rallies' potential impact.

The Democrats have made significant inroads into traditionally Republican-leaning states, particularly in the Senate races. Texas is a prime example of this trend, where the party's nominee has contributed to the shift in voter support. The state's politics are being closely watched as a result.

In Texas and other key battlegrounds, including Ohio and Alaska, the dynamics of the elections have become increasingly complex. While Iowa currently leans red, it remains a competitive race that is garnering significant attention. These states present a crucial test for both parties in their bid to control the Senate.

The common thread running through these races is the influence of individual candidates on voter preferences. In Texas, the party's nominee has been a key factor in swaying support towards Paxton. Similar dynamics are at play in other critical states, where the outcome will have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.

The outcome of several key states will play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in the Senate, with one state standing out as particularly noteworthy: Kansas. This Midwestern state has traditionally been a Republican stronghold, but its importance cannot be overstated on election night.

A closer look at other critical states reveals that Michigan is also shaping up to be a toss-up, with both parties vying for control. In Maine, Senator Susan Collins' bid for reelection will be closely watched, given that the state was won by Kamala Harris in previous elections.

House estimates suggest that Democratic voters are more likely to turn out at the polls compared to their Republican counterparts, according to data that highlights a significant gap between the two parties. Ohio's gubernatorial and Senate races are also expected to be highly competitive, further underscoring the state's importance on election night.

In key battleground states such as Minnesota and Iowa, Republican candidates are presenting themselves as independent voices on certain issues, rather than blindly following the president's lead. This shift in strategy is particularly evident in their stance on energy policy, with many Republicans calling for action to lower gas prices.

Some notable examples include Michele Tafoya, a candidate running for Senator in Minnesota, who has stated that she will work with President Trump when he is right, but also emphasized her independence from the White House. Similarly, Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa has made lowering gas prices a central plank of her campaign.

In other states like Michigan and Maine, Republican candidates are taking a more nuanced approach to foreign policy, with some distancing themselves from the president's views on key issues. Senator Susan Collins of Maine, for example, has expressed disagreement with President Trump's plan on a particular matter, highlighting the complexity of the issue at hand.

The importance of voter turnout is being emphasized by lawmakers in the lead-up to the elections.

Representative Mike Turner highlighted the significance of voting, stating that it's crucial for individuals to exercise their right to participate in the democratic process.

A recent poll conducted by FOX found that nearly six in ten respondents expressed extreme concern about government corruption, underscoring the need for action from elected officials.

In response to these concerns, Representative Turner acknowledged Congress' efforts to push back against perceived corruption, stating that individual candidates are addressing their own records and actions. He emphasized that voters ultimately choose based on personal values and track records, rather than party affiliation or collective reputation.

In a recent appearance on "Face the Nation," Representative Mike Turner highlighted his community's perception of him as a job creator. This image has been formed by his actions in the area, where he is seen making a positive impact. In contrast, his opponent is viewed unfavorably.

The president's presence in the community has also played a significant role in shaping voters' opinions. Representative Turner acknowledged that the president had attended a rally in his district during the campaign season. This event was part of the president's efforts to support top-of-the-ticket candidates.

As the legislative session enters its final stages, some of the proposals discussed may face challenges due to the looming lame-duck period. The possibility of these bills being delayed or obstructed has implications for their potential passage.

CBS News Politics: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/face-the-nation-full-transcript-10-18-2026/

Collins had suggested that the protester was one of Jackson's supporters, but he denied any knowledge of the individual and dismissed her accusation as baseless. In an interview with CNN, Jackson maintained that he had no idea who the protester was or whether they were affiliated with his campaign.

The incident took place during a closely contested debate in which Collins is seeking to secure a sixth term in office. Jackson, a former president of the state Senate, is vying to deny her re-election and become the first Democrat to win this seat in decades.

Jackson's reaction was immediate and forceful as he told Collins to "shut up after she made her accusation about the protester being one of his supporters.

The Sunrise Movement has confirmed that one of its members was responsible for interrupting a Maine Senate debate between Senator Troy Jackson and his opponent.

According to the group's social media post, they are proud of their volunteer who took action during the debate. The organization claims that their member had no prior coordination with Jackson's campaign.

However, an interview with the protester, 19-year-old Henry Elgie, a student at Bowdoin College in Maine, reveals that he had zero coordination with Jackson's team and doesn't even know the senator personally.

The Sunrise Movement is a left-wing advocacy group focused on implementing the Green New Deal, which aims to transition the US economy to 100% renewable energy. The organization regularly organizes protests and climate strikes across the country.

Jackson has maintained that he shook hands with his opponent after each debate as a sign of respect.

Critics have pointed out Jackson's reputation in the Legislature for having a temper, particularly when interacting with female lawmakers he disagrees with.

Some state lawmakers who worked alongside Jackson have shared stories about his behavior, including an incident where he threw a plastic water bottle on the ground in frustration during a disagreement with a female colleague. When questioned about these confrontations during the campaign, Jackson acknowledged his emotions and apologized to those involved.

Jackson was recently asked about Republican claims that he has a history of being aggressive in tone towards women from his time in the Legislature, with some even suggesting that his remark about telling Collins to shut up" was just another example of this behavior.

In response, Jackson pointed out that some Republicans have been spending millions on attacks against him and his family, making unsubstantiated claims.

ABC News Politics: https://abcnews.com/Politics/wireStory/jackson-regret-telling-collins-shut-after-protester-interrupted-137364134

Collins' background is deeply rooted in Maine's northern region, where she grew up and her family operated a lumber business for generations. This native connection has helped her build a strong rapport with constituents, who regard her as one of their own rather than a politician.

In the past, Collins was part of a small group of Republican moderates who wielded significant influence in Washington. Alongside Arlen Specter from Pennsylvania and Olympia Snowe from Maine, she formed a crucial bloc that often swung key votes during Barack Obama's presidency.

A recent ad campaign by Defending Main Street, a super PAC supporting Collins, has raised eyebrows due to its apparent geographical confusion. The group spent nearly $25,000 on digital placements for an anti-Troy Jackson ad, which was mistakenly targeted at the wrong Portland, namely, the one in Oregon rather than Maine.

The error came to light when an Oregon resident reported seeing multiple ads featuring the same message within a short period.

An investigation has revealed that digital ads targeting Maine Senator Susan Collins's rival were mistakenly placed in Oregon, specifically in a Portland area that is not associated with Maine.

The error appears to have been caused by a media vendor hired by Defending Main Street, an organization affiliated with the Republican Main Street Partnership. According to sources, the vendor was responsible for placing the ads and failed to target the correct geographic region.

The mistake has been described as a "snafu" by Jackson's campaign team, who seized on it to criticize Collins's allies. They claimed that the error highlighted their lack of understanding about Maine and its geography.

Defending Main Street and the Collins campaign have declined to comment on the matter. However, Sarah Chamberlain, president and CEO of the Republican Main Street Partnership, has expressed her frustration with the media vendor responsible for the error.

The incident is a reminder of the complexities and challenges involved in targeted advertising, particularly when it comes to online campaigns. According to industry estimates, billions of dollars are lost each year due to middlemen's fees, fake traffic, unseen ads, and low-quality sites.

The proliferation of online advertising has led to a significant waste of resources due to misplaced ads that fail to reach their intended audience. According to industry estimates, billions of dollars are lost each year as a result of middlemen's fees, fake traffic, unseen ads, and low-quality sites.

A recent study by the ANA found that the average campaign ran on 44,000 websites, despite only a few hundred being necessary to reach most of the intended audience. Furthermore, participants hadn't approved about 38,000 of those sites, highlighting the issue of wasted ad spending. This problem persists even today, with more than a third of automated ad spending still going towards ads that fail basic quality standards.

In the highly competitive Maine Senate race, Republicans are outspending Democrats but getting less value for each dollar. According to AdImpact data, from July 26 to mid-September, Republicans spent $82.1 million on TV ads in the race compared to Democrats' $55.5 million. This disparity is particularly striking given that Super PACs pay full price for TV ads, while candidates' campaigns receive discounted rates.

The issue of misplaced ads is also exacerbated by location targeting, a tool designed to ensure that ads are delivered to specific areas. However, a 2019 analysis by Location Sciences found that nearly 29% of location-targeted ads were delivered outside the intended area, highlighting the potential for wasteful spending.

One notable example of this issue was highlighted in 2017 when JPMorgan Chase discovered that its ads had appeared on over 400,000 websites in a single month. However, only 3% of these sites produced any activity beyond someone seeing the ad. In response, Chase cut its list to around 5,000 preapproved sites and saw little change in the cost or visibility of its ads.

This phenomenon is not unique to JPMorgan Chase, with many advertisers struggling to make sense of their online advertising efforts. As a result, companies are beginning to reassess their ad spending strategies, seeking more effective ways to reach their target audiences and avoid wasteful expenditures.

As companies reevaluate their advertising strategies, some are discovering that a significant portion of their online spending may be ineffective or even wasteful. This realization has led to a shift in focus towards more targeted and efficient ad placement.

The need for change is exemplified by Uber's experience, which saw no impact on app installs after cutting $100 million from its annual $150 million online ad budget for riders.

Fortune: https://fortune.com/2026/10/12/susan-collins-allies-25000-attacking-rival-portland-oregon/