Senate Campaign Chief Optimistic About GOP Majority Despite Midterm Challenges

NRSC Chair Tim Scott sees path to expanding Senate control despite economic and political headwinds.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Sen. Tim Scott, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), says he remains "incredibly optimistic" that the GOP can not only hold but expand its current 53-47 majority in the 2026 midterm elections. However, Scott acknowledges the party faces a "more and more difficult" political climate fueled by economic concerns like persistent inflation and President Trump's low approval ratings.

Why it matters

The battle for control of the Senate is crucial as Republicans aim to solidify their majority and Democrats seek to make gains. Scott's optimism comes despite the historical trend of the party in power typically losing seats in midterm elections, as well as economic headwinds that could hurt GOP chances.

The details

Scott told fellow GOP senators in a closed-door meeting in early February that the party's chances in the midterms have become more challenging. However, he believes the party has recruited "the highest quality candidates" in key battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, New Hampshire and Minnesota. The NRSC is also backing longtime Texas Sen. John Cornyn, who faces a primary runoff against the more controversial Ken Paxton, a MAGA firebrand. Scott is hoping former President Trump will endorse Cornyn, which he believes would give the GOP its "clearest path of victory" in Texas.

  • In early February, Scott briefed fellow GOP senators on the party's midterm chances in a closed-door meeting.
  • In December 2025, Scott told Fox News Digital the GOP had a chance to reach 54 or even 55 Senate seats.

The players

Tim Scott

The chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) and a U.S. senator from South Carolina.

John Cornyn

A longtime Republican senator from Texas who is facing a primary runoff against the more conservative Ken Paxton.

Ken Paxton

The Texas Attorney General and a MAGA firebrand who is challenging Cornyn in the GOP primary runoff.

Donald Trump

The former president, whose low approval ratings are seen as a political liability for Republicans.

Michele Tafoya

A former NBC Sports reporter turned conservative activist and commentator who is the GOP's candidate in Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“There's no doubt the climate has gotten more and more difficult by the day, it seems like at times.”

— Tim Scott, NRSC Chair (Fox News Digital)

“The one thing we know about John Cornyn is he will win Texas. If you want to have the clearest path of victory, John Cornyn is your guy.”

— Tim Scott, NRSC Chair (Fox News Digital)

“I think the economy will continue to get better month over a month. I think the rest of this year we'll see unfolding good information, good facts about why the American people should focus on the Republican Party and keep us in the majority.”

— Tim Scott, NRSC Chair (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

The GOP primary runoff in Texas between Cornyn and Paxton will be a key test for the party as it seeks to hold the Senate seat.

The takeaway

Despite facing a challenging political environment, the NRSC chair remains optimistic about the GOP's chances of not only holding but expanding its Senate majority in the 2026 midterm elections. However, the party will need to navigate primary battles and economic headwinds to achieve that goal.