The Closest Senate Races In 2018
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The 6 Closest Senate Races To Watch On Election Night 2018

These races are too close to call already.

571
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulzEchrYQyw

This year is shaping up to be one of the closest years for elections in a long time. These states will decide who may make up a majority in the Senate. In no particular order, here are those races by state.

Arizona: Rep. Martha McSally vs. Rep. Kyrsten Sinema

Representative Martha McSally

YouTube

The closest race in Arizona is for the seat to replace current U.S. Senator Jeff Flake. This seat will be crucial in determining the composition of the United States Senate. The candidates are Rep. Martha McSally, a former Air Force Colonel, and Rep. Kyrsten Sinema, a former member of the Arizona Legislature. McSally was a critic of President Trump in 2016 but now has embraced him with open arms. Sinema, a former member of the Green Party, is one of the Democrats who votes in line with President Trump most of the time. This race is sure to be contentious, and all eyes are watching to see if the seat held by a Republican for the last 23 years will turn blue for the Democrats.

Nevada: Sen. Dean Heller vs. Rep. Jacky Rosen

Representative Jacky Rosen

YouTube

The only Republican incumbent running in a state won by Hillary Clinton is Senator Dean Heller. Heller has campaigned against the Affordable Care Act, and is seen as the most vulnerable Republican incumbent senator in the U.S. He narrowly won his seat back in 2012 by a meager 11,576 votes. His opponent, Rep. Jacky Rosen is running neck and neck with Heller throughout the state. While Rosen is seen as the best candidate to replace the current incumbent, 16% of likely voters in Nevada have never heard of Rosen. They both have work to do as election day nears.

Missouri: Sen. Claire McCaskill vs. Atty. Gen. Josh Hawley

Attorney General Josh Hawley

YouTube

Claire McCaskill has represented Missouri in the Senate for 12 years. Many say she is the most vulnerable Democratic incumbent senator. Her challenger, the Attorney General of Missouri, Josh Hawley, has been scandal-ridden since the beginning of his campaign. His former Governor, Eric Greitens, was involved in a sex scandal that has followed Hawley's campaign and hindered his ability to win over the trust of some key voters. Hawley finally received some relief when the Governor resigned, and thus allowed him to cruise to victory in the primary. McCaskill is trying to appeal to rural voters, who voted for Trump back in 2016. She has modified her message to emphasize her ability to work across the aisle to make sure the Missouri voters do not see her as too liberal. Without the shadow of Greitens hanging over him, Hawley focuses on attacking McCaskill from now until November, but she has shown that she can attack him right back.

Tennessee: Rep. Marsha Blackburn vs. Fmr. Gov. Phil Bredesen

Representative Marsha Blackburn

YouTube

Former Democratic Governor Phil Bredesen is trying to make a comeback in Tennessee. Bredesen has not run in an election since 2006. He won every county in that election and captured 68% of the vote. He is extremely popular in the state, even the outgoing Senator, Bob Corker, approves of him. On the Republican side is Marsha Blackburn. Blackburn has been a representative since 2002 and has been a vocal supporter of President Trump. Bredesen is largely known throughout the state, whereas Blackburn has to work harder to let people know who she is. This race is a toss-up and is sure to be close.

North Dakota: Sen. Heidi Keitkamp vs. Rep. Kevin Cramer

Senator Heidi Heitkamp

YouTube

The challenger, rep. Kevin Cramer, had toyed with running several times. He changed his mind twice, but with encouragement from Washington, he is officially in. Senator Heitkamp is also among the most vulnerable as she only won her last election by one point. In a state that is moving more and more to the right, the odds are not in her favor. Cramer has aligned himself with President Trump on most issues, which may be a positive since Trump won that state with 63% of the vote. Heitkamp is emphasizing her independent position where she is not too liberal on particular issues. There may be some hope for Heitkamp though. The approval rating for President Trump in North Dakota has been dropping, which may shift the enthusiasm into her hands.

Indiana: Sen. Joe Donnelly vs. Mike Braun

Senator Joe Donnelly

YouTube

The Hoosier state voted for Trump and former Indiana Governor Mike Pence 56-38. His approval rating is sitting just about 50% right now, which may be a good sign for the Republican running in this race, Mike Braun. Braun is a staunch conservative who supports Trump almost all the way. Donnelly, on the other hand, is only a Democrat when he needs to be. This helps Donnelly in Indiana, considering the state has gotten more and more conservative over the years. Donnelly is another vulnerable Democrat in a reliable red state, this race will probably go late into the night.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

102835
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments