In the open Senate seats in Michigan, Minnesota, and New Hampshire, all currently under Democratic control, Democrats are off to a hot start. Much of the advantage is due to the fact that, while the seats are open, the candidates considering a run are already established representatives.
Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) is considering a Senate run and has raised just under $1.2 million through the end of March. Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) has also raised $1.2 million while considering a Senate run. In New Hampshire, Reps. Chris Pappas and Maggie Goodlander (D-NH) have each raised more than $500,000, while potentially moving toward a primary battle.
Along with the closer-than-expected special election results earlier this month, Democrats may be quick to point to the fundraising numbers as evidence of President Donald Trump’s unpopularity. Trump’s approval rating, however, is at 46.9% in the RealClear Politics average, which is more than five points better than it was at the same point in his first term.
Midterm elections are always challenging for the incumbent party, and while Democrats may have an early fundraising advantage for key Senate seats, their lead is not insurmountable. Rep Bill Huizenga (R-MI) may challenge former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) in the primary for the 2026 Michigan Senate election. Huizenga has raised more than $800,000, according to a campaign report. While he is off the pace compared to Stevens’ numbers, he has over a year to make up the difference if he wins his primary.
While Democrats have an early lead in Senate elections, Republicans are pointing to early positive signs in fundraising for the House of Representatives.
The National Republican Congressional Committee announced $21.5 million in fundraising for March and $36.7 million in total first-quarter fundraising.
NRCC chair Rep. Richard Hudson (R-NC) said the high number of Democratic representatives considering bids for higher office is a good sign for Republicans’ chances of holding the House, in which they currently hold a 220-213 majority.
“It’s much easier to win an open seat than a seat with a Democrat incumbent who’s entrenched,” Hudson said.
Hudson also emphasized Trump’s value on the campaign trail toward boosting congressional Republicans’ chances of winning their seats.
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“I think he’s [Trump] a tremendous benefit for us,” Hudson said. “Without his help, we wouldn’t have held the majority last time. I’d love to have him on the trail. I’d love to have him out there to campaign with us.”
If Republicans want to hold both chambers of Congress in 2026, they should pay attention to the current fundraising numbers. However, since the election is more than 18 months away, it is far too early for either side to be concerned about any fundraising deficit. Once the calendar turns to 2026, campaigns will have a clearer image of what the balance of power may look like for the 120th Congress.
This article was originally published at www.washingtonexaminer.com
