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In Other News, Who Will Control Congress?

2024/11/1
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The Run-Up

Key Insights

Why is the Ohio Senate race considered a key indicator for the 2024 election?

It will show if voters are willing to split tickets, giving Republicans a chance despite Trump's expected win.

Why might Democrats have a slim chance of retaining control of the Senate?

They need to win tough races in Montana and Texas, where Republicans currently lead or have an advantage.

Why are some House races in California and New York competitive despite these states being traditionally blue?

These states underperformed in 2022, and their turnout isn't as strong as in 2020, affecting down-ballot races.

Why are immigration and crime key issues for Republican candidates in 2024?

They frame these issues as threats to safety and prosperity, resonating with voters' concerns about risk.

Why are some Democratic Senate candidates highlighting their past cooperation with Trump?

It helps them appeal to swing voters who like Trump's policies but not his behavior, signaling bipartisanship.

Why might we not know the outcome of the House races on election night?

California and other states with mail-in ballots take longer to count votes, delaying results in close races.

Chapters

The episode delves into the down-ballot races of 2024, focusing on the House and Senate, and how these races will influence the broader political landscape.
  • The Ohio Senate race will be a test case for how much a candidate can outrun the top of the ticket.
  • Democrats currently control the Senate by a razor-thin margin, but their chances are slim due to tough races in states like Ohio and Montana.
  • Republicans are likely to have a better night at the Senate level, potentially picking up more seats than expected.

Shownotes Transcript

For most of this year, we’ve been focused on the race for president, the messages coming from both parties’ nominees and their reception among voters.

But that’s not all that’s on the ballot this November, and so much of what any president can do in the White House depends on who’s in Congress.

So before Election Day, we wanted to take a look at the down-ballot landscape of 2024.

Who will control the House and the Senate? And what can we learn about both parties when we turn away from the top of the ticket?

On today’s episode:

Amy Walter), publisher and editor in chief of The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter.

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