Republicans hoping for a ‘red wave’ this November might be disappointed.
The mood has shifted within the GOP over the last few weeks. Earlier this year, conservatives were optimistic Republicans would retake both chambers of Congress. Now Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is urging members of his own party to temper their expectations.
“Republicans have a number of very weak first-time candidates for the United States Senate, including Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania and Herschel Walker in Georgia,” SMU political science professor Cal Jillson said.
He adds that there are more first-time candidates that former President Donald Trump has endorsed, but that others like McConnell are worried about due to their inexperience.
Despite the challenges, Republicans are still projected to take the House. GOP supporters hope the nation's economic woes and President Biden’s low approval rating will work in their favor.