So, assuming we do not awaken to shenanigans ...
Republicans have 51 senate seats, and lead in 5. Brown is only ahead by a few hundred votes, McCormick by 80k.
They need 52 senators to overcome defections by Collins and Murkowski when replacing Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, both of whom definitely should retire this spring. The midterms are a rough map for the GOP. If they can get 55, it may provide enough of a buffer to hold the senate through 2028.