Describing the mood among Republicans regarding the upcoming House special election in Tennessee would barely scratch the surface of their current predicament.
They’ve transitioned from a state of mere concern to an outright existential crisis.
It is dawning on House Republicans that only the most staunchly conservative districts may offer them any semblance of safety come 2026. The once-mighty Donald Trump is no longer the political talisman he used to be, capable of rallying their base to the polls. If trends continue, they could be in for a turbulent ride.
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The situation has deteriorated to the point where Republican leadership is suggesting that simply holding onto a district Trump won by 22 points in 2024 should be considered a triumph.
The notion that Democrats could potentially flip this House seat would have seemed ludicrous just a few months ago. However, if Democrats were to pull off a victory, it would signal a seismic shift in the political landscape.
For Democrats, keeping the margin within single digits would be hailed as a significant achievement, reinforcing their coast-to-coast momentum as they head toward 2026.
Indeed, House Republicans appear to be teetering on the brink of a major meltdown.
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