Senate GOP campaign Chair Scott says, thanks to Trump, ‘the game is on’ in midterm elections

Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina has set an ambitious goal for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) – to expand the GOP’s current 53-47 majority in the Senate to 55 seats. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Scott emphasized his belief that the party can defend its current seats while adding at least two more to their numbers.

As the longest-serving Black senator in the nation’s history, Scott is no stranger to the political arena. He launched a campaign for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination two years ago before dropping out and endorsing Donald Trump. Now, as the chair of the NRSC, Scott is focused on ensuring that the Republican candidates reflect the values and brand of the former president.

The 2024 election cycle favored Senate Republicans, who flipped four seats from blue to red to regain control of the chamber. Looking ahead to the 2026 midterms, the GOP sees opportunities to go on the offensive in key states such as Michigan, Georgia, and New Hampshire, where Democratic incumbents may be vulnerable.

Minnesota, a traditionally blue-leaning state, presents a unique opportunity for Republicans as Democratic Sen. Tina Smith recently announced she won’t seek re-election in 2026. Scott pointed to Trump’s strong performance in the state as evidence that a red seat in Minnesota is within reach.

In addition to targeting new seats, Republicans must also defend key battlegrounds like Maine, North Carolina, and Ohio. Scott acknowledges that the party will need to invest heavily in these races, with a likely price tag of over $1 billion. However, the NRSC’s record-breaking fundraising in January signals strong support for their candidates.

As the NRSC gears up for the 2026 cycle, Scott is determined to learn from past mistakes and take a more hands-on approach in contested GOP Senate primaries. He emphasized that decisions will be made on a state-by-state basis to ensure the best interests of voters are served.

With Trump’s influence and a favorable political landscape, Scott is confident that the GOP has a real shot at expanding their Senate majority. As fundraising numbers continue to soar and support for Republican candidates grows, the NRSC is poised for success in the upcoming midterms.