Montana–Seth Bodnar

Rural States, Usually Republican, Suddenly In Play In Senate Races

Ronald 16 Comments

The concept of rural states in the Midwest and Far West being Republican dominated, suddenly becoming areas that seem to be in a position of being contested by Democrats and Independents, is absolutely startling, and improve the chances of a Democratic majority in the US Senate in the 120th Congress(2027-2029).

This list includes:

Iowa–Josh Turek
Nebraska–Dan Osborn
Kansas–Adam Hamilton
South Dakota–Brian Bengs
Montana–Seth Bodnar
Idaho–Todd Achilles

Additionally, two other states strongly Republican, with appointed Senators to replace JD Vance (Ohio) and Marco Rubio (Florida), are facing major challenges from Sherrod Brown and Angie Nixon, and both states have large areas of rural population.

All of these eight states are harmed dramatically by the tariffs imposed by Donald Trump; by the rising grocery and gasoline prices caused by the Iran War; and by the deleterious effect on all kinds of farm production, and interference with manufactured goods that these states rely on from Canada and other nations.

If any of these states, or multiples of them, go against the Republican Party in their states, it will, assuredly, guarantee a Democratic Senate majority in the next Congress.

Odds Of Democratic Senate Majority Growing

Ronald 23 Comments

The odds of a Democratic Senate majority in the upcoming 120th Congress (2027-2029) are growing, based on recent estimates and judgments of political experts.

A total of four additional Democratic victors, and preservation of three contested Democratic seats, are the challenge the party faces in 2026.

At least six seats are in play that are presently Republican held seats:

Alaska–Mary Peltola
Ohio–Sherrod Brown
Maine–Graham Platner or Janet Mills
North Carolina–Roy Cooper
Texas–James Talarico
Iowa–Josh Turek or Zach Wahls

Nebraska, with an Independent, Dan Osborn, and Montana, with an Independent, Seth Bodnar, are “wild cards” as well.

And Florida, with Alexander Vindman or Angie Nixon is also perceived as a long shot.

Of course, New Hampshire with Chris Pappas; Georgia with Jon Ossoff up for reelection; and Michigan with Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow and Haley Stevens, are Democratic states with major challenges to keep the seats.