According to a report in Rolling Stone, there is a very good chance that the Democrats could take control of the Senate after the 2020 election as the impeachment of Donald Trump casts a cloud over the Republican Party.
The report — by longtime political observer Tim Dickinson — states, “the fight to wrest the Senate from Republican control — and oust Mitch McConnell as majority leader — is arguably just as important” as the battle to force Trump from office.
“Unless Democrats flip the Senate, the grand plans of the presidential candidates are dead on arrival,” Dickinson writes. “Capturing the chamber is just as crucial if Trump is re-elected; it would give Democrats control of the legislative agenda, budget, and judicial confirmations, ending McConnell’s reign as Trump’s rubber stamp.”
With the GOP holding a three-seat edge in the Senate, 53 to 47, Dickinson explains that Republicans have their hands full defending 23 seats to the Democrats’ 12.
According to Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections, “The Senate’s in play. Democrats have enough takeover opportunities to get there without having to win everything on the table.”
“A dozen races will be vital in determining control of the Senate, including two seats where Democrats must play defense,” the report goes on, with Dickinson listing off Michigan, Arizona, Maine, Colorado and North Carolina — among others — as key battleground states.
Of particular note, he adds, is the crown jewel — taking the seat held by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.