Democrats' Senate Odds Widen as Kansas Rated a Tossup

· Politics · United States

The Democratic Party's path to controlling the US Senate widened four weeks before Election Day, with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report revising its analyses in Kansas, New Hampshire and North Carolina and now rating once solidly conservative Kansas a tossup. The shifts forecast stronger Democratic odds than previously estimated. Democratic groups said they would keep spending decisions week by week after pulling out of North Carolina, and were looking closely at races in Kansas, South Carolina and Mississippi. Republicans moved $5 million into South Carolina's Senate race amid concern that the traditionally conservative stronghold is tightening, and a Maine debate between Republican incumbent Susan Collins and her challenger highlighted one of the most competitive races.

Why it matters：With Senate control in play, shifts in once-safe states will shape US legislative power, trade policy and global alliances for the final two years of the current presidency.

Key points

  • Cook Political Report moved Kansas to tossup and revised forecasts in New Hampshire and North Carolina.
  • Republicans shifted $5 million into South Carolina's Senate race as worries mounted.
  • Democratic groups are deciding spending week by week after withdrawing from North Carolina.

Sources (original reporting)

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