Senate News & Analysis

Ratings Change: Indiana Senate Moves to Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 11, 2016 · 11:55 AM EDT

Former Sen. Evan Bayh will run for the Senate after all, buoying Democrats’ chances of winning the open seat in Indiana and the Senate majority.

The news, first reported by CNN’s Tom LoBianco, is surprising considering Bayh, who didn’t seek re-election in 2010, had shown no interest in…

Colorado Primary Results Keep Senate Republicans on the Defensive

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 1, 2016 · 9:22 AM EDT

Colorado has been a Rocky Mountain roller coaster of emotion for Republicans.

Less than two years after unseating one Democratic senator, Republicans nominated a candidate with no paid staff to take on the other Democratic senator. 

El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn won the GOP primary Tuesday with 38 percent…

Rubio, Research Shake Up Florida Races

by Nathan L. Gonzales July 1, 2016 · 9:21 AM EDT

With just days before the July 24 filing deadline, Republican Marco Rubio reversed course and announced his campaign for re-election to the Senate, creating a domino effect on Florida races. 

Rubio announced his retirement early in order to focus on his presidential run and give GOP candidates ample time to…

Republicans Need Gary Johnson to Save the Senate

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 30, 2016 · 9:05 AM EDT

On Sept. 26, Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will face off in Dayton, Ohio, for what's anticipated to be the most-watched presidential debate in history. Republicans need Gary Johnson to be on the stage.  

Normally, both parties try to marginalize third-party candidates and keep them from getting publicity…

Safe Senator Shifts to Raise Money for Safe Colleague

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 10, 2016 · 9:03 AM EDT

Sen. Ron Wyden isn’t shy about raising money , even though he isn’t in any danger of losing re-election. At least now the Oregon Democrat has shifted some of that effort elsewhere, except it’s for a colleague who is also in a safe race.  

“They think they’ve got…

What Katie McGinty Told Me About Her College Career

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 7, 2016 · 6:42 PM EDT

Republicans are criticizing one of the Democrats’ top recruits in one of the country’s most competitive Senate races for misstating her family’s college history. But Katie McGinty’s response lines up with what she told me in an interview four months ago.

McGinty is the Democratic nominee in Pennsylvania,…

2016 Senate Overview: Is This the Summer of Voters’ Discontent?

by Nathan L. Gonzales June 3, 2016 · 4:00 PM EDT

Nominating Donald Trump was supposed to precipitate the end of the Republican Party. But with five months before Election Day, the wealthy businessman is within striking distance of Hillary Clinton and most of the vulnerable GOP senators have paths to victory. 

As the Democratic presidential nominating contest comes to a…

2016 Senate Overview (June 3, 2016) Alabama - Kansas

June 3, 2016 · 3:59 PM EDT

ALABAMA – Richard Shelby (R) elected 1986 (50%), 1992 (65%), 1998 (63%), 2004 (68%), 2010 (65%). Shelby turned back a serious primary challenger, 65-28 percent, in March and is the prohibitive favorite in the general election. Safe GOP. 

ALASKA – Lisa Murkowski (R) appointed 2002, elected 2004 (49%), 2010 (39%…

2016 Senate Overview (June 3, 2016) Kentucky - New Mexico

June 3, 2016 · 3:58 PM EDT

KENTUCKY – Rand Paul (R) elected 2010 (56%). Paul dropped his run for president after the Iowa caucuses and is focused on running for re-election. He shouldn’t have a problem, considering Kentucky’s serious Republican lean in federal elections. But his presidential run gives Democrats an opening and their likely nominee,…

2016 Senate Overview (June 3, 2016) New York - Wyoming

June 3, 2016 · 3:57 PM EDT

NEW YORK – Chuck Schumer (D) elected 1998 (55%), 2004 (71%), 2010 (66%). June 28 primary. Schumer ($26 million on March 31) will win a fourth term. The only question is whether he will be the majority or minority leader in the next Senate. Safe for Democrats.

NORTH CAROLINA –…