2016 presents Democrats with some opportunities to steal back a few senate seats and possibly even re-take the majority. Democrats have a clear advantages this year as there are far more republicans up for election than democrats – 24 vs. 10.
| DEMOCRATS
Michael Bennet (Colorado) |
REPUBLICANS
Kelly Ayotte (New Hampshire) |
The current senate make-up is 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats (including two independents that caucus with Democrats) which means that flipping 5 seats gives Democrats a 51-49 majority. If Hillary Clinton wins and Tim Kaine becomes the president of the Senate, only 4 seats need to flip to give Democrats the advantage in a 50-50 tie vote.
30 Republican seats are safe as they are not up for election. Out of the seats up-for-grabs, 12 are safe as there is no serious challenger to the incumbent leaving 42 seats solidly red. Eight states show the republican polling well and expected to eek out a victory. That leaves two at-risk states that CDN sees as toss-ups or leaning Democrat and could go to blue if the GOP falters.
Click the map to create your own at Current GOP Senate Seats At-Risk of Going Democrat
Indiana: Leans Dem – Todd Young(R) running to replace retiring Sen. Dan Coats (R) vs. challenger former Sen. Bayh(D)
Pennsylvania: Toss-up – Toomey (R)
Current Democrat Senate Seats At-Risk of Going Republican
Nevada: Leaning Republican – Heck(R) battling Cortez Masto(D) to replace retiring Harry Reid(D)
“ADOPT A SENATOR”……it’s easy…if your state isn’t involved this year. PICK ONE FROM ANOTHER STATE. to support. Often if you check their home pages for info and a contact address you can send a good luck note and get a list of what is needed. Be sure to explain that you aren’t a resident but want to help