There really is a risk. What gets you the presidency can ruin the outcome in the congressional races. That said, you can also be too smart by half.
Maybe if the republicans in congress started exercising their conservative muscle, they’d have a better chance.
The RINOs and Democrats are the exact same. All they believe in is power and money. If the RINOs took a poll and it favored communism, they would support communism. They have no core beliefs.
Putting a wuss on the ballot can cost you as well, if Republican voters are so disgusted that they are unmotivated to show up.