by Denise Gieseke
Democrats need to hold as many Senate seats as possible in November. They currently have control of the upper chamber with 47 Democrats plus 4 Independents who caucus with or formally align with the Democratic party. Control of the Senate provides the majority party with significant leverage to enact its legislative agenda, influence the composition of the federal judiciary and executive cabinet, conduct oversight, and shape public policy in alignment with its political ideology and electoral mandate.
Democrats are almost certain to lose retiring Senator Joe Manchin’s seat, and Republicans don’t have any at-risk races. To maintain control, Dems must win every competitive race and hold the White House, giving each party 50 votes with the vice president as a tiebreaker. Even if they lose leadership, holding ground could establish a solid position to take back the Senate in the 2026 midterms. It is improbable that Republicans will gain enough seats for cloturing filibusters this year (cloture requires 60 votes), and Democrats want to ensure that Republicans are not within striking distance in 2026.
Here’s an updated snapshot of the seats in play. Click on the photos to learn more or to donate.
Tossups (Activist efforts can make a powerful impact)
Pure Tossup
Ohio — Sherrod Brown
Incumbent
Tossup to Lean D
Michigan — Elissa Slotkin
(for Democrat Debbie Stabenow’s vacant seat)
Tossup to Lean R
Montana — Jon Tester
Incumbent
Lean Dem. (Seats that look hopeful, but are still at risk)
Pennsylvania — Bob Casey
Incumbent
Wisconsin — Tammy Baldwin
Incumbent
Arizona — Ruben Gallego
(for Independent Kyrsten Sinema’s vacant seat)
Nevada — Jacky Rosen
Incumbent
Reprinted from Turn Purple to Blue.
Denise Gieseke is a writer and member of Indivisible Acton Area.
