What’s the problem for the GOP in those races? Simply put, a lot of voters — including a notable number of Republicans — do not like Oz or Walker.
More than half (55%) of registered voters in Pennsylvania view Oz, a celebrity doctor, unfavorably, while just 35% view him favorably, according to Fox’s polling. By comparison, Fetterman, currently the state’s lieutenant governor, is viewed favorably by 49% of voters and unfavorably by 34%. Perhaps the most alarming number for Oz: only 67% of Republicans hold a favorable view of him.
Walker isn’t in quite as rough of shape, but his favorability rating is also under water: 43% of Georgia voters view him favorably, and 48% view him unfavorably. Warnock breaks about even at 48% favorable and 47% unfavorable. Broken down by party, 82% of Republicans hold a favorable view of Walker, while 93% of Democrats hold a favorable view of Warnock.
In both states, the Democrats are managing to outpace their Republican opponents even as President Joe Biden’s favorability rating sits just north of 40%.
One commonality among all these Republicans, with the exception of Greitens: they are first-time candidates backed by Trump. The risks that come along with that profile are becoming increasingly apparent.
The Point: Given the state of Biden’s approval rating and the economy, the political environment may ultimately trump Senate Republican candidates’ flaws. But those flaws are only making the party’s path to the majority more treacherous.
