Senate Republican on campaigning in 'close' red state races: 'These oughta be fat guy layups'

Republicans are confronting tighter-than-expected Senate races in states long considered safe for the party, raising concerns about their ability to hold onto their majority ahead of the November elections. A senior GOP senator acknowledged the unexpected challenge and announced plans to campaign and fundraise in key Midwest battlegrounds this weekend. The shift reflects growing uncertainty in what were once reliably conservative strongholds, where Republican candidates now face more competitive opposition. With the party’s control hanging in the balance, the effort signals a high-stakes push to secure critical votes.

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) said Republicans are facing unexpectedly close Senate races in traditionally red states as the party fights to maintain its majority in November. Kennedy told reporters Thursday that he plans to travel to Kansas, Nebraska and Iowa this weekend to campaign and raise money for Republican Senate candidates. “If you told me...