Democrats are preparing for what is likely to be a difficult election cycle in 2024. Two of their lawmakers are crucial to maintaining their slim majority in Senate: Joe Manchin from West Virginia and Jon Tester from Montana.
Republicans will have a chance at flipping a few crucial seats in 2024, as some Democrats will be running for reelection from reliably red states. There will be 34 Senate seats up for grabs. These include 22 currently held by Democrats, 11 which belong to Republicans and the Arizona seat that is held by Senator Kyrsten Sinema. She announced that she is now an Independent.
All eyes now turn to the two Democratic senators, as they consider their reelection chances. Senate Democrats are trying to keep control of the upper chamber by ensuring that both candidates decide to retire and not run for another term.
Politico was told by Dick Durbin, Senate Majority Whip (D-IL), that both are facing difficult circumstances. “I believe both can win, but they’re the best candidates in their states,” said Senator Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL).
The decision of the two to run could also affect how the party allocates its financial resources. Democrats are currently deciding which Senate seats they will focus their attention on. Manchin and Tester are two of the most vulnerable Democrats going into 2024, making them likely top targets for the Republican Party.
Manchin will run for reelection in the state that Trump won in 2020 by 38.9 percent. Tester, on the other hand, would be running in a state Trump won by 16.4 percent.
Democrats are now unsure of the senator’s plans, which puts them on hold regarding their 2024 strategy. Manchin appears to not feel pressured to make a decision quickly.
Manchin stated to Politico, “I haven’t decided, but I swear to God.” They would love me to. They understand that I have been doing this for some time and will make my own decision.
Republicans are already focusing their attention on the two Senate seats. On Thursday, the National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee launched its first set ads against Manchin & Tester. The ads urged the pair to either “retire” or “get fired.”
Joe sold West Virginia when it was most important. Joe Manchin has lost his way. “It’s time for him to come home,” says the narrator of the ad.
