Senate News & Analysis

Colorado Senate: Republicans Struggle to Keep Bennet in Play

May 5, 2016 · 9:58 AM EDT

The crowded GOP field to take on Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet narrowed recently from a dozen candidates to three contenders. 

Former El Paso County Commissioner Darryl Glenn was the only candidate to secure a position on the primary ballot at the state convention. It was a surprise boost of…

Illinois Senate: Kirk Downgraded to Lean Democratic

May 5, 2016 · 9:57 AM EDT

Nearly a year ago, we moved Republican Mark Kirk from Pure Toss-Up to Toss-Up/Tilt Democratic. Over the last 12 months, there is little evidence that things have gotten any better for the senator and in fact the political climate may be getting much worse, prompting another ratings change. 

The…

Candidate Conversation - Kathy Szeliga (R)

May 5, 2016 · 9:53 AM EDT

Nominee for Maryland Senate

Interview Date: April 12, 2016

Date of Birth: Oct. 10, 1961; Baltimore, Md.

Education: Towson State Univ. (1993)

Political Office: State Delegate

Current Outlook: Szeliga won the GOP nomination with 36 percent on April 26 against an underwhelming field of 13 other candidates. She now faces…

Senate Report Shorts (May 5, 2016) Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Pennsylvania

May 5, 2016 · 9:52 AM EDT

Indiana Senate. Rep. Todd Young won the GOP primary to replace retiring-Republican Sen. Dan Coats and is likely to move up to the Senate next year. Young, who was regarded as the mainstream conservative in the race, defeated fellow Rep. Marlin Stutzman, 67-33 percent. 

The Club for Growth endorsed…

Democrats Are Headed off Their Own Cliff

by Stuart Rothenberg April 15, 2016 · 8:45 AM EDT

Political observers – yes, including myself – have argued for years that the Republican Party has moved too far right, allowing its most ideological elements to limit its legislative options, prevent it from addressing national problems, and damage its appeal to key swing and emerging voter groups.

But instead…

Indiana Primaries Enter the Home Stretch

by Nathan L. Gonzales April 11, 2016 · 2:59 PM EDT

Before Hoosiers get to the legendary Indianapolis 500 on Memorial Day weekend, Indiana Republicans will go to the polls on May 3 in critical primaries for president, U.S. Senate, and two open congressional seats. 

In the Republican presidential nominating contest this year, every delegate matters and Indiana might be one…

Candidate Conversation: Conner Eldridge (D)

April 11, 2016 · 2:54 PM EDT

Nominee for Arkansas Senate

Interview Date: April 5, 2016

Date of Birth: Sept. 9, 1977; Fayetteville, Ark. 

Education: Davidson College (1999); Univ of Arkansas-Fayetteville (J.D. 2003)

Political Office: None. First run for office

Current Outlook: Eldridge is the Democratic nominee against GOP Sen. John Boozman after running unopposed in the…

GOP Incumbents Brace for Primary Losses, But Survive So Far

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 11:00 AM EDT

As Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and even Ben Carson harnessed the energy of anti-establishment voters in the Republican presidential race, GOP incumbents have grown worried they will be simultaneously swept out of office. But in spite of the volatility at the top of the ticket, Senate and House incumbents…

Senate Matchups Start to Solidify, But Landscape Unclear

by Nathan L. Gonzales March 25, 2016 · 10:57 AM EDT

The playing field for competitive Senate races could still change and grow, particularly if the bottom falls out of the election for Republicans because of Donald Trump or Ted Cruz. But in three of the eight most competitive contests, the general election matchups are set after a series of…

Democratic Senate Takeover Probable, If Cruz or Trump Nominee

by Stuart Rothenberg March 11, 2016 · 9:01 AM EST

With Donald Trump and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz seemingly positioned to fight it out for the Republican presidential nomination, Democrats are now poised to take over the Senate in November.

The two Republicans still in the race who could help their party’s Senate prospects, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio and…