The National Republican Senatorial Committee kicked off the 2016 cycle by raising $2.5 million during January, according to information from a committee aide.  

The NRSC has just more than $4 million in cash on hand, and the committee will report $10 million in debt .  

That sum is twice as much as it raised in January 2013, when the NRSC began its efforts to win the majority for the first time since 2006.  

After accomplishing that in November, the committee will largely be on defense  in 2016. Republicans make up 24 of the 34 senators up for re-election in 2016. A handful of Republicans will face competitive contests in states that picked President Barack Obama in recent cycles.  

Most likely, only two  Senate Democrats will have competitive races: Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid in Nevada, and Sen. Michael Bennet in Colorado. Democrats must win five seats to secure the majority.  

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee declined to release their January fundraising numbers.  

Related:

Script Will Be Flipped in 2016 Senate Majority Battle


Rothenberg & Gonzales Report 2016 Race Ratings


House Democratic Losses Deplete Bench of 2016 Senate Recruits


Republicans Fear 2010 Redux in Nevada Senate Race


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