Comparatively speaking, Senate races have gotten off to a glacial start this cycle. In recent cycles, a number of first-tier candidates had announced in the first quarter of the off year, largely setting the table of competitive races early. This cycle, it may be clear where the most competitive races are and where the potentially competitive contests might be, but the identities of first-tier challengers aren’t yet known.
Over the past four weeks or so, a series of events that can best be described as baby steps has brought a bit of clarity to the Senate map. More importantly, this movement has largely benefitted Democrats, who had endured a spate of news reports in April about recruiting failures. CONT.
Jennifer E. Duffy, Cook Political Report