Polls Show Senate Control Slipping Away From Republicans

TOPLINE

New polls show Senate control slipping further away from the GOP, as incumbent Republican Senators in swing states trail their Democratic opponents badly and Republican-controlled seats in deep red states look increasingly competitive.

KEY FACTS

Key Background

Democrats need a net gain of four Senate seats, or three and the vice presidency, to attain a majority in the upper chamber. One big opportunity for Democrats is in Maine, where Senator Susan Collins’ newfound alignment with Trump has made her vulnerable to Maine House Speaker Sara Gideon, her first real challenge since she was first elected in 1996. Other potential pickups for Democrats include two seats in Georgia, where polls show Senator Kelly Loeffler and Senator David Perdue are both vulnerable, and a seat in Iowa, where Senator Joni Ernst is facing dwindling popularity and has been outraised by opponent Theresa Greenfield. However, Republicans have a strong pickup opportunity in deep-red Alabama, where Senator Doug Jones, who won a 2017 special election against an opponent facing sexual abuse allegations, is seen as increasingly vulnerable.

Tangent

Some Republicans are bracing for a loss of Senate control by trying to seize control of the judicial branch. Graham on Thursday urged older conservative judges to step down before the 2020 election to ensure that younger replacements can be appointed in their stead.