Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told CNN that Republicans should reconsider how they are spending campaign money in North Carolina, arguing that the party needs to concentrate its resources on other states where Senate seats are also being heavily contested.

“We’ve gotta keep a majority,” Tillis said. “We’ve got to make sure Susan Collins wins. We’ve got to focus on Alaska. We’ve got to focus on Ohio… Texas.”

Tillis’ comments come as Republicans face a competitive Senate map in the 2026 midterm elections. The GOP is defending seats in several states while trying to maintain control of the Senate, making the allocation of campaign resources an increasingly important issue for party leaders.

North Carolina is one of the states where Republicans are facing a significant challenge. Republican Michael Whatley is running against former Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper for the Senate seat Tillis currently holds. Tillis announced that he would not seek reelection, leaving the seat open.

CNN reported that Republican officials and operatives have become increasingly concerned about the North Carolina and Georgia Senate races and are considering whether continued spending in those states is the best use of limited resources.

Tillis specifically pointed to Maine, Alaska, Ohio and Texas as states where Republicans need to focus their attention. Maine Republican Sen. Susan Collins is seeking another term, while Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is facing a challenge in Alaska and Sen. Jon Husted is defending his seat in Ohio.

Texas is also drawing significant attention, with Republican Ken Paxton facing Democrat James Talarico in a race that has become part of the broader battle for Senate control.

The National Republican Senatorial Committee has separately asked donors for an additional $8.9 million to support Republican candidates in Alaska, Iowa and Ohio, reflecting concerns about the amount of money needed to defend seats in states that have traditionally been more favorable to Republicans.

Tillis said the party should make spending decisions based on where Republican candidates need the most help rather than continuing to spend simply because a particular race is already receiving attention.

“You spend the money where we get Republicans elected,” Tillis said. “I want them to do that now. I mean you don’t spend the money just because you want to help somebody.”