Scoop: Senate Dems hit GOP on Social Security in first 2026 ads

• The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) will launch a digital ad campaign against Sens. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Susan Collins (R-Me.) on Tuesday, Axios has learned.
• The ads highlight the Trump administration's plans to cut phone services for Social Security — a move the White House has since backed off.
• The digital ads, which will be placed on Meta, are meant to reach seniors and those who would be impacted by cuts to Social Security in North Carolina and Maine.

The big picture: Collins and Tillis are just two of the many Republicans who will likely face a year of Democratic attacks over possible cuts to social safety net programs.

• On top of the White House's targeting of Social Security services, congressional Republicans are moving forward with a budget reconciliation bill which could include cuts to Medicaid.
• "In 2026, voters will hold Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Senate Republicans accountable for their toxic plan to slash Social Security in order to pay for a tax giveaway to billionaires," DSCC Communications Director Maeve Coyle said in a statement.

Between the lines: Collins was the author of the Social Security Fairness Act, which was signed into law by President Biden and restored full benefits for millions of public sector workers.

• Top congressional Republicans have said they have no plans to reduce Social Security benefits.

Zoom out: Maine and North Carolina are the best opportunities to flip a Republican-held Senate seat next year.

• Outside of Collins and Tillis, there are limited pickup opportunities for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), who has a narrow path to regaining his majority.