McConnell-aligned groups report record fundraising for 2024 cycle

Two fundraising groups linked to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) reported record-breaking hauls so far this year as the party builds a war chest for the 2024 election cycle.

The Senate Leadership Fund and One Nation raised $10.1 million and $28.2 million, respectively, during the first six months of 2023. Those figures are the most they’ve brought in during the first half of an off-election year, according to the groups.

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The Senate Leadership Fund raised more than double what it reported during the same six-month period in 2021.

The large sums leave Senate Republicans with hefty war chests, as the Senate Leadership Fund reported having $11.4 million cash on hand as of June 30. One Nation has $31.3 million cash on hand.

There are 34 Senate seats up for grabs in the 2024 election cycle. Of these, Democrats must defend 23, compared to just 11 for Republicans, putting the GOP in a strong position to flip the upper chamber.

Democrats hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with the advantage of having Vice President Kamala Harris as a tiebreaker vote if needed. If Republicans win back the White House, they only need to net one Senate seat to win the majority in 2024. Otherwise, the party needs to secure two extra Senate seats.

At least eight held by Democrats are considered to be tightly contested, with three considered toss-ups heading into the 2024 cycle.

One Nation has already launched two advocacy ads, spending $2 million to target vulnerable incumbent Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

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Elsewhere on the 2024 map, there are 15 seats considered “solid Democrat,” including California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington.

Another nine seats are considered “solid Republican,” including Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Wyoming, and both seats in Nebraska. Two Senate seats, held by Sens. Rick Scott (R-FL) and Ted Cruz (R-TX), are considered “likely Republican.”