GOP stumbles, weak fundraising in Ga. and other states threaten path to Senate control

election 2022 senate
The Capitol is seen at sunrise, in Washington, Oct. 15, 2021. Republicans aiming to retake the Senate majority entered this election year with a favorable political climate. But after a series of recent failures to encourage centrist Republicans to run, the pressure is on the GOP to make sure that the party doesn't shift so far to the right that they risk losing otherwise winnable races. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

As the prospect of a red wave grows, a series of Republican missteps including recruiting stumbles, weak fundraising and intense infighting is threatening the GOP’s path to the Senate majority.

Arizona’s Republican Gov. Doug Ducey dealt his party its latest setback late last week by announcing he would not challenge Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly this fall. His decision, which leaves no obvious front-runner in a crowded Republican primary, disappointed Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell and his allies who had spent months privately encouraging Ducey to run.

But the GOP’s shortcomings extend well beyond Arizona.