Key facts
- Democrats are investing in red states where they have not previously competed.
- American Bridge PAC has spent $2.1 million in Mississippi on ads targeting GOP Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
- The PAC is part of a $22.7 million investment in billboards focused on higher costs across about 80 House and Senate races.
- Democrats are being outspent on the airwaves in core battleground states.
- Democrats are investing in states President Donald Trump won by double-digit margins, including Alaska, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.
Democrats are exploring opportunities to gain seats in traditionally Republican states, driven by voter discontent with the economy, particularly in rural and lower-income areas. Political action committees like American Bridge PAC are making strategic investments in these "red territory" states, aiming to capitalize on economic frustrations.
American Bridge PAC has allocated significant funds, including $2.1 million in Mississippi to target Republican Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, whose previous victories have been by relatively narrow margins. The PAC's broader investment includes $2.5 million in Florida, $630,000 in South Carolina, and over $410,000 in Kansas, as part of a $22.7 million initiative involving 6,000 billboards highlighting rising costs across roughly 80 House and Senate races.
Pat Dennis, President of American Bridge 21st Century, acknowledged the necessity of competing in new states to build a durable majority, viewing these efforts as long-term investments. However, despite favorable polling in some areas, Democratic campaigns are facing a substantial disadvantage in advertising spending compared to Republicans in key battleground states. The party is also investing in states that President Donald Trump won by significant margins, such as Alaska, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas.
A senior Democratic operative expressed concerns about the limited national funds available, stating that current belt-tightening measures are necessary to secure existing seats. The operative warned that investing heavily in less competitive states could jeopardize efforts to win crucial toss-up races.