Senate News & Analysis

Impeachment’s No ‘Game Changer’ and Other Pet Peeves

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 17, 2019 · 3:59 PM EST

After weeks of public hearings and the eve of a vote, I’m ready to take a stand on impeachment. Well, not quite. Actually, there are more than a few pieces of the impeachment coverage, arguments, and narrative that are driving me crazy. And writing a few hundred words seems like…

Kansas Senate: Rock Chalk Train Wreck?

by Nathan L. Gonzales December 6, 2019 · 2:29 PM EST

Democrats have won just one statewide race in Kansas over the last decade, but Kris Kobach’s potential nomination in 2020 is fueling Democratic hopes and could significantly improve the party’s prospects of regaining control of the Senate. 

Even though Donald Trump won Kansas easily in 2016, and Democrats haven’t won…

Iowa Senate: The Importance of Being Ernst

by Leah Askarinam November 8, 2019 · 2:30 PM EST

Democratic presidential hopefuls, who have been eating and dancing their way across Iowa in order to win the first-in-the-nation stamp of approval, will leave the fried Twinkies and corn dogs behind after the February caucuses. But the state will be far from void of political activity.

All four House seats…

Colorado Senate: Rocky Terrain for Republicans

by Leah Askarinam October 25, 2019 · 2:30 PM EDT

With impeachment hearings against President Donald Trump around the corner, a handful of senators have landed in the national spotlight.

In a heated exchange, Republican Sen. Cory Gardner pointed out that dynamic to reporters at the Colorado Chamber of Commerce last week. “Why is it when you all do stories…

2020 Senate Overview (Oct. 11, 2019): The Senate Is In Play

October 11, 2019 · 2:30 PM EDT

With President Donald Trump struggling to recreate his 2016 Electoral College victory, control of the Senate should be regarded as in play. Republicans are still more likely than not to maintain control of the Senate, but Democrats have a legitimate path to control, particularly if they win the White House. 

2020 Senate Overview (Oct. 11, 2019): Alabama - Kansas

October 11, 2019 · 2:29 PM EDT

Alabama. Doug Jones (D), elected 2017 special (50%). Nov. 8 filing deadline. March 3 primary. March 31 runoff. Jones remains the most vulnerable senator in the country, but some Republicans admit he’s not in terrible shape at this stage of the race. Republicans are facing a crowded primary, where the…

2020 Senate Overview (Oct. 11, 2019): Kentucky - New Mexico

October 11, 2019 · 2:28 PM EDT

Kentucky. Mitch McConnell (R), elected 1984 (50%), 1990 (52%), 1996 (55%), 2002 (65%), 2008 (53%) and 2014 (56%). Jan. 28 filing deadline. May 19 primary. The Bluegrass State is set to host one of the most expensive Senate races in the country, even if it’s not one of the most…

2020 Senate Overview (Oct. 11, 2019): North Carolina - Wyoming

October 11, 2019 · 2:27 PM EDT

North Carolina. Thom Tillis (R), elected 2014 (49%). Dec. 20 filing. March 3 primary. It’s not even Fall yet, but Republicans have already spent a few million dollars on the race. Garland Tucker, the retired CEO of Triangle Capital Corporation, has spent nearly $1 million on cable in his bid…

North Carolina Senate: Something Red, Something Blue

by Leah Askarinam September 27, 2019 · 2:30 PM EDT

Maybe it’s true that money can’t buy love. But Republicans are hoping it can at least buy acceptance in the North Carolina Senate race.

More than a year ahead of Election Day, GOP Sen. Thom Tillis is spending more than $2 million on re-election ads as he faces a primary…

Luke Skywalker and the Politics of Impeachment

by Nathan L. Gonzales September 26, 2019 · 8:44 AM EDT

As House Democrats move closer to impeaching President Donald Trump, I’m amazed by the collective certainty about how the storyline will play out. It’s assumed that history will repeat itself. But I can’t help but think of Luke Skywalker’s words of caution.

Up to this point, everyone is assuming that…