US Senate Republicans Boost Campaign Spending and Warn of Potential Shutdown Before Midterms

Republican groups linked to Senate Minority Leader John Thune, notably the One Nation organization, have purchased large TV‑ad buys ahead of the 2026 midterm elections – $28 million in Ohio, $11 million in Iowa and $6 million in New Hampshire, among other allocations. The spending targets vulnerable Senate races as Democrats aim to gain four seats, with fundraising gaps highlighted between Democratic candidate Sherrod Brown and Republican incumbent Jon Husted.

Meanwhile Senate Republican leaders are anxious that Democrats could force another government shutdown before the November vote. With the federal funding deadline on September 30 and a Senate recess in October, GOP senators are debating a short‑term continuing resolution to keep the government open. The debate pits Appropriations Chair Susan Collins, who prefers the normal process, against Democratic Vice Chair Patty Murray, while the absence of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has delayed mark‑ups. The dispute raises concerns that a shutdown could become a political weapon in the upcoming election.