Live Updates: Trump Preemptively Looking for Someone to Blame for Possible Texas Senate Loss

A Florida lawyer and his family are investing millions in a new super PAC to boost Democrats’ chances of flipping four Senate seats held by the Republican Party.

The last-minute ploy by Steve Pajcic, a former Florida state lawmaker and co-founder of a personal injury firm, underscores optimism among some Democrats that the midterm elections could bring big victories for their party.

Pajcic said he would spend at least $7 million on ads to shape U.S. Senate races in Florida, Kansas, Mississippi and South Carolina. Advertisements began appearing this week, including one targeting Mississippi Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, in a state won by President Donald Trump by nearly 23 points two years ago.

Scott Colom, the Democratic candidate in Mississippi, is attracting growing interest from figures in his party. Hyde-Smith campaign officials said they were confident she would win in the deep red state.

In an interview with CNN on Thursday, Pajcic said he hoped Democrats could win 55 or 56 seats in November and “contribute to a historic surge.”

Pajcic said he may add more to the budget as he and his team evaluate the races.

The New York Times was first to report on the spending by Pajcic’s super PAC, the New Deal for All.

Pajcic said his family’s money can go further in states like Mississippi where media markets are less expensive. He largely avoids another ruby ​​red state, Texas, which has spent huge sums to influence the outcome of the battle between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico.

“I would never put money in Texas, because, Jiminy Cricket, I would just be a drop in the bucket,” the 80-year-old said. “I’m not one of those billionaires, you know. I’m just someone who has a little extra money, and I think it’s a really good cause.”