In an election year with trends that bode well for the GOP, why are some Republican congressional incumbents facing serious challenges?

George Will uses his latest Newsweek column to address this issue. It should surprise no one that his take differs from those offered by his left-of-center counterparts:

Some commentators not known for wishing conservatism well say this
turmoil bodes ill for the conservative party. And they mournfully worry
that “responsible” Republicans?i.e., those who play well with
Democrats?are an endangered species. But a more sanguine interpretation
of the insurrections is that they indicate conservative seriousness
commensurate with the liberals’ agenda for enlarging government.