
We’re almost halfway through 2025, and the Senate landscape is beginning to come into focus. But there are plenty of outstanding questions for both parties as the off-year rolls on.
Both sides are focused on recruitment, and many candidates could announce after the next fundraising quarter wraps at the end of the month. Both parties still need top-tier recruits in some of the key races.
But there are also already consequential primaries that are becoming crowded. Democrats and Republicans would like to stop the looming infighting in some of them, but party committees risk alienating their bases if they put their thumb on the scale for a favored candidate.
Here are five looming questions we’re looking at in the fight for Senate control.
Can both parties land top recruits in the key races?The 2026 map is an uphill battle for Democrats, as they try to flip four Senate seats to win back the majority. With most races taking place in states President Donald Trump won by double digits, it’s critical that they have top tier candidates in the races that
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The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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