Harris gives Senate Democrats jolt of confidence
by Al Weaver - 08/11/24 6:00 AM ET
Senate Democrats are feeling more confident about their chances of keeping the Senate majority with Vice President Harris leading the ticket, arguing her momentum could lift them despite a nightmare battleground map.
The GOP has long been the favorite to take the Senate this fall because Democrats are defending more difficult-to-hold seats. Republicans need only net two seats in total to take the majority even if they lose the White House.
With or without Harris, Republicans have been expected to pick up one seat in West Virginia, where Sen. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) is retiring and Gov. Jim Justice (R) is a heavy favorite. Unless both Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and Montana Sen. Jon Tester can hold on to their seats in their red states, Republicans will take the chamber.
Still, Democrats think their slim hopes have grown with the jolts Harris has given the party.
“The energy upsurge is dramatic,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), who is up for reelection.
“I’ve even talked to red-staters who said, ‘Well, no Democrat’s winning my state’s electoral votes, but in order for me to win my race, I need to have young voters energized — and they’re energized,’” Kaine said.
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https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4821018-harris-senate-democrats/
