Senate map becomes more dangerous for Democrats as Nevada is shifted to toss-up – Washington Examiner

The Nevada Senate race is now deemed to be a toss-up, making things more difficult for Democrats as they seek to hold on to their slim majority in the upper chamber next year.

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifted the race from being “lean Democrat” to a “toss-up” on Wednesday, pointing to President Joe Biden’s lagging popularity in the battleground state and the new electorate that has emerged over the last few years. The group particularly cited Sen. Jacky Rosen’s (D-NV) lack of an “established brand,” noting that it could make it more difficult for the Nevada Democrat to overcome Biden’s unpopularity on her own.

“Ultimately we are moving this race because of the unique forces at play in Nevada,” said Jessica Taylor, an editor for the Cook Political Report. “A combination of a newer electorate that Rosen must win over, Biden’s lagging numbers, and the unique post-COVID economic hangover in Nevada make this race a toss-up.”

Former President Donald Trump has consistently led Biden in polling in the Silver State, raising concerns among Democrats about how the president could affect other party candidates running in the state. Those worries have been evident in Rosen’s campaign, particularly after she released ads early in the cycle “clearly designed to separate herself from President Joe Biden and the drag he could be in the state,” Taylor wrote.

Meanwhile, Republicans have touted their own candidate: retired Army Capt. Sam Brown.

Brown is the favorite of Senate party leaders, some of whom attended a fundraiser for his bid last year. He was courted to launch his campaign by National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Steve Daines (R-MT), who saw Brown as the most palatable candidate to run in such a pivotal swing state.

With the recent shift, Nevada is the fourth state to be deemed a toss-up in the 2024 cycle. That puts Democrats in a tough position as each of those seats is currently held by a Democrat or an independent who caucuses with Democrats.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Democrats hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, with the advantage of having Vice President Kamala Harris as a tiebreaker vote if needed. As a result, Republicans only need to flip one Senate seat to win the majority should they win back the White House in 2024. If they do not regain the Oval Office, the party only needs to secure two extra Senate seats.

There are 34 Senate seats up for grabs in the 2024 election cycle. Of those, Democrats must defend 23, compared to just 11 for Republicans — and nearly all competitive seats are held by Democrats, putting them on the defensive as they try to maintain their slim majority.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr