While the presidential election seems to be taking most of the air out of the room, the real talk in D.C.—from political operative war rooms to kitchen tables—is the U.S. Senate. In 2022, Republicans faced a tough political map, with a total of 21 seats up for grabs, including five vacancies, compared to 14 Democratic seats. Senate Democrats made big strides and came out victorious, clinching the majority by one seat.
But this year, the tables have turned: Democrats are playing defense as Republicans battle to win back Senate control.
THREE STRIKES, WHO’S OUT?
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) is currently seeking his fourth Senate term against Republican businessman Bernie Moreno, who was born in Colombia and became a U.S. citizen at 18. Brown, a solid fundraiser and great campaigner, won’t be an easy target, but Moreno (who beat out two other Republicans in the primary) knows how to make up ground.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.)—the only Democrat to currently hold statewide office in Montana—is also seeking his fourth term against Republican nominee Tim Sheehy, a U.S. Naval Academy graduate and Navy SEAL combat veteran. Sheehy’s resume, which includes both the Bronze Star with Valor for Heroism and the Purple Heart, is impressive but doesn’t score him an automatic victory.
Rounding out the top three targets for Republicans this election cycle is the seat of Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.), who is not seeking reelection. Current West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice (R) is running against Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott (D) for the seat. Considering former President Trump’s landslide victory in West Virginia in 2020, most strategists—including Democrats—are placing this seat in the Republican bucket.
PICK A SEAT
Senate seats in Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada and Pennsylvania are all races to watch as well. In Arizona, Kari Lake, 2022 Republican gubernatorial nominee and former television anchor, is up against Rep. Ruben Gallego (D), who leads the polls as of the time of this writing. Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) will face off against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D). Hogan’s likeability (his historic approval rating was as high as 81%) and impressive campaigning skills make him a tough opponent for the Democratic nominee.
Michigan, which flipped to full Democratic control at the state level in 2022, is back on the political market as Elissa Slotkin (D) and Mike Rogers (R) battle for an open seat. In Nevada, retired U.S. Army Capt. Sam Brown—an Afghanistan combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient turned businessman—is on the Republican ticket against incumbent Sen. Jacky Rosen (D). President Biden won the state by only 2.4% of the vote in 2020, which makes Nevada a potential pick-up for Republicans.
In Pennsylvania, Sen. Bob Casey (D) is looking to secure his fourth term against Republican challenger David McCormick, who is self-funding his campaign in hopes of clinching the victory in Biden’s home state.
ON THE HOUSE
Along with key races in the Senate, all 435 seats of the U.S. House of Representatives are up for grabs. Since redistricting in 2020, new congressional lines have been drawn throughout the country, making this election year even more challenging for candidates and incumbents. New districts, new opponents and more political money will make for exciting House races across the country.
There are countless elections to watch this year, and whether presidential, Senate or House, all candidates have one thing top of mind: Persuade swing voters to get out to the polls. There are several long weeks before early voting begins, and the question on everyone’s mind is: Who is going to win? For the answer, check back on Nov. 6!
