GOP PAC Reportedly Shifts N.C. Ads to Kansas

The Senate Leadership Fund has canceled its remaining North Carolina Senate ads after spending more than $30 million for Republican Michael Whatley against Democrat Roy Cooper, per a New York Times report. The group had planned $71 million and is launching a seven-figure Kansas campaign in a state Trump won by 16 points in 2024. Election Day is one month away. A Catawba College-YouGov poll has Cooper 47% to Whatley's 35%; RealClearPolitics has Cooper ahead by 9. Senate Majority PAC has put in more than $40 million. Groups have spent $97 million with $67 million reserved, per AdImpact. CONTESTED: Sides agree on the reported ad pullback but not its weight. Michael Bitzer says it is concerning for North Carolina Republicans and that money must shift to newly competitive red states. Andy Jackson says it is not decisive and reacts to lack of movement for Whatley. DJ Griffin says late undecideds usually go Republican and Whatley has resources to win. Christyna Thompson says Democrats will keep running ads while already up. Jeff Allen says the 50-50 state race will earn every vote. Trump says he is worried about Whatley. CBS 17 got no Fund reply.