Democrats face challenges in defending their slim Senate majority in 2024

The 2024 Senate elections are approaching, and Democrats will be defending a slim majority in the chamber. As both parties fight for control, several states will likely be in play. Democrats have successfully navigated tough Senate races in the last three cycles, but they will have to defend vulnerable incumbents in swing and GOP-heavy states.

Democrats defy expectations in the 2022 midterm elections

In the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats surprised political observers by holding on to their Senate majority. Every incumbent secured reelection, and John Fetterman, then-Pennsylvania Lt. Gov., flipped the open seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Pat Toomey. This gave Democrats a 51-49 majority in the Senate, led by Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York.

Despite some challenges, Democrats have managed to maintain their Senate majority. However, the 2024 elections present a new set of challenges for the party.

President Joe Biden's impact on the 2024 Senate races

The performance of the Democratic Party in the 2024 Senate races will likely be tied to President Joe Biden, who is seeking reelection for a second term. Former President Donald Trump, the current Republican presidential frontrunner, remains unpopular among moderates and suburban voters who often decide close Senate elections.

A significant development that boosts the GOP's chances is the announcement by Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia that he will not seek reelection in 2024. This is a major blow to Democrats, as Manchin was not only the lone statewide officeholder from the party but also the only Democrat who could have run a competitive race in the conservative-leaning state.

In 2024, a total of 34 Senate seats will be up for grabs, including 20 currently held by Democrats, 11 held by Republicans, and three held by Independents. Here is a look at some key states that both parties will target:

Arizona: A competitive race for Sen. Kyrsten Sinema

Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's party switch has given Democrats some concerns. While her decision has not impaired the party's ability to move legislation and approve judicial nominations, her election itself is another matter. Sinema has not yet announced whether she will run for reelection, but there are indications that she is mapping out a potential campaign.

If Sinema runs again, she could face an epic clash with Rep. Ruben Gallego, who has already announced his campaign for the Democratic nomination. Gallego could rally support among base Democrats and Independents who have soured on Sinema over her opposition to changing filibuster rules to pass key voting-rights legislation.

Republicans have already entered the race, including Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb, Kari Lake, the 2022 gubernatorial nominee, and Blake Masters, the 2022 Republican Senate nominee.

Michigan: Sen. Debbie Stabenow's retirement opens the race

Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who has served in the Senate since 2000, announced that she will not seek reelection in 2024. This opens the race in Michigan, a state where Democrats had a banner year in the 2020 elections.

Rep. Elissa Slotkin, a moderate Democrat representing a swing district, has entered the Senate race and is the most prominent elected official seeking the Democratic nomination. Several other Democrats, including Hill Harper, David McCormick, and Nasser Beydoun, are also angling for the party nod.

On the Republican side, former Reps. Mike Rogers and Peter Meijer, former Detroit police chief James Craig, and several other candidates have entered the race.

Montana: Sen. Jon Tester seeks a fourth term

Democratic Sen. Jon Tester

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By: insider@insider.com (John L. Dorman)
Title: Democrats face challenges in defending their slim Senate majority in 2024
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/us-senate-races-2024-election-landscape-democrats-republicans-2023-1
Published Date: Sat, 11 Nov 2023 15:14:17 +0000