The Senate Democrats’ campaign arm is rolling out a new digital ad campaign attacking Republicans over Medicaid cuts included in President Trump’s sweeping policy legislation that he signed into law last week.
The 30-second ad, called “Lifelines” and first shared with The Hill, includes snippets of news anchors talking about the consequences of the Trump megabill’s Medicaid provisions in states like Michigan and Georgia.
An analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projected that 12 million low-income people in the U.S. would lose their health insurance by 2034.
“200,000 Georgians could lose Medicaid coverage or private insurance,” one anchor says in a clip featured in the ad.
“In Michigan, rural hospitals could see their doors close,” an anchor in another clip featured in the ad says.
The ads will run on connected TV channels including NBC, Roku, Hulu, Vizio and Tubi; they’re expected to air in Georgia, North Carolina, Maine, Michigan, Texas, Alaska, Iowa, and Ohio – the states will see the most competitive Senate races next year.
The ads underscore how Democrats are using the Medicaid provisions from Republicans’ major policy legislation as a key attack line ahead of the 2026 midterms. The move in many ways mirrors how Democrats used Republicans’ attempt to get rid of the Affordable Care Act as a focal point of their messaging during the 2018 cycle.
Meanwhile, Republicans have leaned into other aspects of their policy bill, touting it as “the largest tax cut in American history.” It also includes some of Trump’s signature campaign promises from his 2024 run, including no taxes on tips.
But Democrats believe their messaging on health care access will be the real persuader next year.
“Senate Republicans just passed their toxic plan that rips health care away from millions of Americans and spikes costs for their hardworking constituents, all so they can pay for a tax giveaway for billionaires,” Maeve Coyle, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC), said in a statement.
“Backlash is growing stronger every day against Senate Republicans and their devastating agenda, and voters will hold them accountable in 2026.”
Democrats face an uphill battle in retaking the Senate majority next year, with Republicans holding a 53-47 edge. The party, for one, needs to defend Sen. Jon Ossoff’s (D-Ga.) seat in Georgia while also keeping retiring Sen. Gary Peters’ (D-Mich.) seat.
Yet, the party has some chances to score a potential upset. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) recently announced he would not be seeking reelection, and a nasty GOP primary between Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton could offer an unusual opening for Democrats in the Lone Star State.
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