Republicans reserve $888 million for 39 once-safe House races

Republican groups and megadonors have begun spending in at least 39 House races once considered safe, as party leaders worry voters may use the November 3 midterms to signal dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump’s policies. Republicans have reserved $888 million in advertising for the coming weeks, compared with Democrats’ $666 million, and Republican-aligned super PACs have spent nearly twice as much as Democratic groups since Labor Day. The new spending includes races in districts that remain Republican-leaning and where GOP candidates lead in public polling, but party officials say internal data shows they cannot assume victory. Strategists point to rising fuel, energy and fertilizer costs as particular pressures in traditionally Republican areas, while Republicans say the spending is meant to protect their narrow House majority. Examples include new outside spending for Wisconsin’s Bryan Steil and North Carolina’s Gregory Murphy.