Senator Tom Cotton Strengthens GOP Senate Majority Efforts Ahead of 2026
Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas, the third-ranking Republican in Senate leadership, is intensifying his campaign to protect and expand the GOP’s current 53-47 majority in the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections. Recently, a non-profit advocacy group aligned with Cotton launched an advertisement supporting GOP Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa, who is running to succeed retiring Republican Senator Joni Ernst in 2026. This strategic move represents Cotton’s growing involvement in key Senate races nationwide as Republicans prepare to defend their chamber majority.
The advertisement, funded by America One Policies with a six-figure investment for broadcast television and digital platforms in the Des Moines market, portrays Hinson as a “fighter” for Iowa in Washington. The ad highlights her stance on crime and China, mentioning specifically that “she fought to stop China from buying our farmland, and she voted for President Trump’s tax cuts.” Hinson, a former local television anchor, has secured endorsements from President Donald Trump, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, positioning her as a strong candidate to maintain Republican control of Iowa’s open Senate seat.
This pro-Hinson advertisement follows earlier efforts by Cotton-aligned groups targeting Democratic senators. America One Policies previously ran an ad against Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia, whom Republicans view as the most vulnerable Democratic senator seeking reelection in 2026. Additionally, Cotton’s leadership PAC released an advertisement criticizing North Carolina’s former Democratic Governor Roy Cooper, who is competing against former Republican National Committee chair Michael Whately for the seat being vacated by retiring GOP Senator Thom Tillis. A spokesperson for America One Policies emphasized that “Senator Cotton plans to fight for his colleagues in the US Senate, to ensure that we grow our majority in the senate, to fundraise and advertise for our candidates and to make sure that the American people know the records of their Democrat opponents.”
Cotton, who cruised to reelection in 2020 without facing a Democratic opponent and is expected to have an easy reelection campaign in 2026 in his solidly red state of Arkansas, has spent significant time traveling across the country to support fellow Republicans in recent election cycles. A source close to the senator’s political operations stated that “As Tom Cotton has done since the first day he was elected to office, he will continue to help support Republicans around the country who are running for office at any level, to win.” This commitment to party-building has established Cotton as a key figure in Republican efforts to maintain and expand their Senate majority.
The 48-year-old Army veteran, who served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan before becoming a rising star in the Republican Party, had previously considered running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. His preparations included numerous visits to early primary states like Iowa and New Hampshire. However, just days before the 2022 midterm elections, Cotton announced he would not pursue a White House bid in 2024. Despite this decision, he was reportedly on then-candidate Donald Trump’s expanded list of potential running mates, indicating his continued importance within the party’s leadership circles.
Cotton’s active support for Hinson in Iowa has sparked speculation about his potential presidential ambitions in future election cycles. By building a network of allies across crucial swing states and demonstrating his commitment to strengthening the Republican Party’s position in the Senate, Cotton appears to be laying groundwork that could serve him well should he decide to seek higher office in the future. His military background, Senate leadership experience, and growing role as a party strategist combine to position him as an influential figure in Republican politics, regardless of whether his current efforts are aimed at immediate party success or longer-term personal political goals.
