Republicans in Washington are closely watching the 2026 U.S. Senate map, which offers promising pickup opportunities but also features several vulnerable incumbents who will need strong backing to defend the GOP majority. Their outlook brightened significantly this week as the Senate GOP’s main fundraising arm reported a record-breaking haul for the first half of 2025.
The Senate Leadership Fund (SLF) and its affiliated groups raised $85 million in six months—more than double their previous record. This surge in fundraising reflects the growing financial strength of Republican operations under Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), who took over after longtime leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced his retirement from leadership and the Senate.
Alex Latcham, executive director of SLF, credited former President Donald Trump for playing a more engaged role in Senate races than he did under McConnell. Latcham, now co-leading the PAC with former Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO), said the group is working closely with the Trump White House to recruit and vet candidates. “Conversations are happening regularly—in person, over the phone,” Latcham told Axios.
The SLF has already begun investing in key battleground states, including Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, Alaska, and Nebraska, where the 2026 map appears unusually favorable for Republicans. The PAC also plans to defend GOP incumbents facing primary challenges, such as Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), who is currently trailing Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
The GOP enters the second half of 2025 with $83 million in cash on hand, including $29 million held directly by SLF.
