Republican candidates distance themselves from Donald Trump

Republican candidates in battleground seats are increasingly distancing themselves from President Donald Trump. Data shows that of the $1 billion spent by the Republican campaign apparatus since September 1, only $11 million was dedicated to advertisements promoting a candidate’s relationship with the president.

In battleground races, 41 out of 62 Republican House and Senate candidates have recently distanced themselves from Trump in some capacity. This marks a significant shift from the 2018 midterms, when 27 per cent of advertising demonstrated loyalty to the leader. Currently, that figure has dropped to 2.4 per cent. While Trump maintains control over nominating contests, general election advertising has shifted focus toward core party policies rather than the president himself.