NC GOP pours $5.6 million into three swing Senate seats

North Carolina Republicans have reserved an estimated $5.6 million in television and digital advertising over the coming weeks in three of the most competitive state Senate districts, the party tells Axios.

Why it matters: It's already the most the party has ever spent in state Senate races, indicating just how important these closely contested seats will be in the GOP's effort to maintain its supermajority in the state legislature.

The big picture: The party plans to drop a total of $10 million by Election Day to bolster their candidates in those three seats.

Context: Two of the districts, which include New Hanover County (Senate District 7) and Franklin, Nash and Vance counties (SD11), are currently held by Republicans running for reelection.

• The third district, which includes Wake and Granville counties (SD18), is held by a Democrat who is not running for reelection.

Between the lines: The party must hold its safe seats, plus win Senate Districts 7 and 11 to win 30 seats and keep its supermajority.

• If the GOP also flips Senate District 18, it could have as many as 31 seats in the chamber.

Stunning stat: In 2022, the GOP spent a total of $4.6 million on TV and digital advertising across eight Senate seats during the entire cycle. This is already $1 million more than that, for fewer seats, and it's only July.

• The number is expected to be far higher by November, NC Senate Republican Caucus director Dylan Watts tells Axios.

Details: The initial ads, a $2.28 million buy, will air Tuesday in the New Hanover County district, held by Republican state Sen. Michael Lee. Lee is running against Democrat David Hill.

• The party has slated $1.2 million for ads that will air in SD11 in the coming weeks to back incumbent Republican Sen. Lisa Barnes, who is facing Democrat James Mercer.
• Its spending $2.1 million on ads supporting political newcomer Ashlee Adams' campaign in the district encompassing Wake and Granville counties (SD18). Those ads will also air in the coming weeks.
• Adams will face current state House Democratic Rep. Terence Everitt in November. SD18 is currently held by Democratic Sen. Mary Wills Bode, who is not seeking reelection.