Senate News & Analysis

Iowa Senate: Franken Poll Finds Tied Race

by Jacob Rubashkin May 16, 2022 · 3:33 PM EDT

A new poll of the Democratic primary for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat suggests that the contest between former Rep. Abby Finkenauer and retired Admiral/2020 Senate primary runner-up Michael Franken has closed to an even race.

The survey, conducted by Change Research for the Franken campaign and fielded from May 4-8, Continue Reading

Colorado Senate: Centennial Showdown

by Jacob Rubashkin May 6, 2022 · 2:30 PM EDT

If you’re looking for a place to measure the size of a GOP wave or a state where a Supreme Court decision on abortion could make an impact, look at Colorado. 

The agreed-upon Senate battlefield consists of seven or eight states, half held by Democrats and half held by Republicans.

Report Shorts (April 14, 2022)

by Jacob Rubashkin April 14, 2022 · 2:26 PM EDT

California’s 22nd District Special. Former state Assemblywoman Connie Conway finished first with 35 percent in the April 5 special election primary. She’ll face Democrat Lourin Hubbard (who received 19 percent) in the June 7 runoff in the race for the remainder of GOP Rep. Devin Nunes’ term. Republican candidates combined…

2022 Senate Overview (April 1, 2022): Advantage GOP

April 1, 2022 · 2:30 PM EDT

By Nathan L. Gonzales & Jacob Rubashkin

The clock is ticking for Democrats. With seven months to go before Election Day, there’s little sign of relief for a country facing myriad challenges, and scant evidence that President Joe Biden’s popularity will rebound significantly. Voters are primed to oust the party…

2022 Senate Overview (April 1, 2022): Alabama - Georgia

April 1, 2022 · 2:29 PM EDT

Alabama. Open; Richard Shelby (R) not seeking re-election. May 24 primary, June 21 runoff (if necessary). Rep. Mo Brooks was hoping to ride Trump’s endorsement to the GOP nomination. But Trump recently rescinded his support, blaming it on Brooks’ “woke” ideology. The congressman tried to prevent the certified presidential results…

2022 Senate Overview (April 1, 2022): Hawaii - North Carolina

April 1, 2022 · 2:28 PM EDT

Hawaii. Brian Schatz (D) appointed 2012, elected 2014 (70%), 2016 (74%). June 7 filing deadline. Aug. 13 primary. GOP state Rep. Bob McDermott is running and will try to be the first Republican to win a Hawaii senate seat since 1970. Barring something drastic, he won’t be. Solid Democratic.

Idaho.…

2022 Senate Overview (April 1, 2022): North Dakota - Wisconsin

April 1, 2022 · 2:27 PM EDT

North Dakota. John Hoeven (R) elected 2010 (76%), 2016 (78%). April 11 filing deadline. June 14 primary. All is calm in the Peace Garden State for Hoeven, who had $3 million on hand at the end of the year, Trump’s endorsement and no remotely credible Democratic opponents. Solid Republican.

Senate Report Shorts (March 18, 2022)

by Jacob Rubashkin March 18, 2022 · 2:27 PM EDT

Ohio Senate.
A recent Fox News poll of likely voters, conducted March 2-6, provides a rare nonpartisan look at the crowded GOP Senate primary in Ohio. The survey found wealthy investment banker Mike Gibbons leading the pack with 22 percent, followed closely by former state Treasurer Josh…

Pennsylvania Senate: Democratic Decisions

by Jacob Rubashkin February 4, 2022 · 2:30 PM EST

With the Senate evenly divided, flipping just one GOP-held state could mean the difference between Democrats maintaining and losing the party’s hard-won majority. And from the beginning, Pennsylvania’s open seat has been their best takeover opportunity and a chance to stave off potential losses elsewhere. 

Throw in a rambunctious, unpredictable…

The Impact of a Supreme Court Vacancy on 2022

by Nathan L. Gonzales February 4, 2022 · 2:28 PM EST

Considering President Joe Biden is on the cusp of making a lifetime appointment to the country’s top court, Associate Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement is big news. Yet the upcoming confirmation is most likely to have a muted impact on the 2022 elections. 

When evaluating the potential impact of…