Tag: U.S. Senate
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Senate Republicans invoke nuclear option to change nomination rules
On September 11, 2025, Senate Republicans voted to change chamber rules governing the nomination process for certain types of presidential nominees. The vote was 53-45, along party lines. This procedure, where a majority party changes a Senate rule or precedent through a simple majority vote, is often referred to as the nuclear option or constitutional…
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Rep. Ashley Hinson becomes the 10th U.S. House member who is running for the U.S. Senate in 2026
Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-Iowa) announced on Sept. 2, 2025, that she will run for the U.S. Senate in Iowa in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. The seat is open since incumbent Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced she would not seek re-election. As of Sept. 2, 2025, independent race forecasters…
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Sen. Joni Ernst becomes the eighth U.S. Senate member who is not seeking re-election in 2026
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced on Sept. 2, 2025, that she will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026. On her retirement, Ernst said, “I never imagined this farm girl would have the opportunity to serve as a lieutenant colonel and then a United States senator. […] While this chapter of elected service…
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Rep. Barry Moore becomes the ninth representative to announce a U.S. Senate bid for 2026
Rep. Barry Moore (R-Ala.) announced on Aug. 12, 2025, that he will run for the U.S. Senate in Alabama in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of Aug. 12, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Inside Elections have rated the general election for the seat as…
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Three U.S. senators have announced gubernatorial bids in 2026
On August 6, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced her bid for governor of Tennessee. Blackburn’s entrance in the race makes her the third sitting U.S. senator, along with Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), to announce bids for governor. The number of senators running for governor in 2026 is the highest since 2010, when…
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Rep. Mike Collins becomes the eighth representative to announce a U.S. Senate bid for 2026
Rep. Mike Collins (R-Ga.) announced on July 28, 2025, that he will run for the U.S. Senate in Georgia in 2026 rather than another term in the U.S. House of Representatives. As of July 22, 2025, independent race forecasters The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball have rated the general election for the seat…
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An early look at North Carolina’s U.S. Senate election in 2026
Voters in North Carolina will elect one member to the U.S. Senate in the general election on Nov. 3, 2026. Incumbent Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), who first assumed office in 2015, announced that he would not seek re-election in 2026. According to The Cook Political Report’s Amy Taylor, Tillis’ retirement makes the seat a “top…
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Vice President J.D. Vance casts fifth tie-breaking vote to pass One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 1, 2025, Vice President J.D. Vance cast his fifth tie-breaking vote in the U.S. Senate to pass the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the budget reconciliation bill currently before Congress. Fifty Republicans voted in favor of the bill, while 45 Democrats, two Independents who caucus with Democrats, and Republican Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine),…
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Oregon joins 45 other states in allowing the governor to make appointments to vacant U.S. Senate seats
On June 20, 2025, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed Senate Bill 952 (SB 952), which gives the governor the power to appoint an interim U.S. senator for the state if a vacancy occurs. The bill includes the following provisions: In 36 states, governors appoint individuals to fill vacancies temporarily until a special election. The…
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Sen. Thom Tillis announces he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) announced on June 29, 2025, that he will not seek re-election to the U.S. Senate in 2026. On his retirement, Tillis said in a statement, “In Washington over the last few years, it’s become increasingly evident that leaders who are willing to embrace bipartisanship, compromise, and demonstrate independent thinking are becoming…