The Republican Governors Association unveiled an initial midterm-election advertising buy of $31.4 million as part of the group’s effort to defend the GOP’s turf in key swing states such as Arizona and claw back ground lost four years ago in red states such as Kansas.
The RGA on Tuesday announced its plans to blitz television airwaves in Arizona, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin, beginning in August in the Grand Canyon State. Indeed, this RGA ad buy directs the most money, $10.2 million, to Arizona, among the states where Republicans survived in 2018 amid a Democratic wave. Republican Doug Ducey, Arizona’s term-limited governor, is the RGA chairman this election cycle, and a competitive GOP primary is underway to succeed him.
The balance of this initial advertising purchase, $20.2 million, is being invested in states with Democratic governors: Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, and Wisconsin. With President Joe Biden’s job approval ratings mired around 40%, and with domestic and foreign policy crises to deal with at seemingly every turn, Republicans are increasingly optimistic about their 2022 prospects.
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“The RGA is committed to investing in these states to ensure Americans know life is better when a Republican governor is in charge,” RGA Executive Director Dave Rexrode said in a statement. “We look forward to taking advantage of the numerous pick-up opportunities we have to add more Republican governors to our ranks.”
The RGA advertising campaign breaks down as follows:
- Arizona: $10.2 million, Phoenix and Tucson media markets, runs Aug. 3 – Nov. 8
- Kansas: $3.5 million, Kansas City and Wichita media markets, runs Sept. 7 – Nov. 8
- Michigan: $3.5 million, Detroit and Grand Rapids media markets, runs Oct. 12 – Nov. 8
- Nevada: $8 million, Las Vegas and Reno media markets, runs Sept. 7 – Nov. 8
- Wisconsin: $6.2 million, Milwaukee, Green Bay, Madison, La Crosse, and Wausau media markets, runs Sept. 7 – Nov. 8
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As an organization that is active in state races, the RGA is not bound by federal campaign contribution limits. The group is expected to add to this advertising campaign in the coming months.
