The battle for control of the U.S. Senate is turning into a massive financial effort on both sides. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent on political ads with Democrats out-raising Republicans by about 2.5 times in the top 10 battleground races. According to Politico, Democrats raised $203 million in the most recent quarter, versus $83 million by the Republicans.
Democrats currently control the Senate by a 51-to-49 margin. Republicans are hoping to flip two seats in November 2024 and have all their incumbents win reelection and thus take control of the lawmaking body.
Pundits believe Republican candidates winning in West Virginia and Montana are their best bets where Democrats are vulnerable.
However, in Montana, incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Tester raised more than $30 million last quarter. His Republican opponent Tim Sheehy raised roughly $10 million.
In Ohio, Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown is trying to beat back a challenge from Republican Bernie Moreno. Brown out-raised Moreno by a $30.7 million to $6.5 million margin in the third quarter.
In Pennsylvania, incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey is attempting to hold on to his seat. He pulled in $16 million last quarter while Republican Dave McCormick raised less than half that, $7.6 million.
Other Democrats raising huge sums for Senate races include: Rep. Colin Allred in Texas, Rep. Elissa Slotkin in Michigan and Sen. Tammy Baldwin in Wisconsin. Big money is also being spent in Nevada, Nebraska and Florida.
The onslaught of political ads is expected to continue until Election Day as Republicans are now running commercials out of joint fundraising committees, which have fewer rules and allow for larger contributions.
