As Republican Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina attempts to gain ground in the race for the Senate, a super PAC supporting his re-election has pulled its fall advertisement slated for broadcast and digital platforms.
The super PAC, American Principles First PAC, has largely backed Scott’s past bids for Senate, and is headed up by former aide to Senator Rand Paul, Brendan Steinhauser. This past March, the PAC announced it was investing an initial $7 million in support of Scott’s re-election bid. Three months later, the PAC reported having invested $3 million in the race, some of which had gone towards television ads.
Scott has so far proven to be a powerful candidate; he has seen strong fundraising, with $16.7 million raised since the start of his campaign. However, Scott has now reportedly been seen struggling in the polls, trailing behind his Democratic opponent, retired Air Force Colonel, Jaime Harrison.
In light of the PACs backing, the latest decision seems surprising. Harrison’s campaign, however, described the decision as evidence that Scott is having trouble gaining traction in the race. This could be especially concerning for Scott’s campaign in a climate where Democrats have the potential to flip control of the Senate.
This election will be an important marker in the history of South Carolina senatorial races. Scott, if re-elected, will make history as the first Black Senator ever to be popularly re-elected in the state.
