Republicans on back foot in US Senate races

Next Tuesday, November 3 is the US Presidential election, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the day for just one election.

As the popular saying goes, Americans on the day can elect someone from President to dog-catcher, across three levels of government.

One of the most important contests is for the 100-member US Senate, comprising two representatives from each of the 50 states.

The US Senate is one of the most important and influential chambers of government in the world.

First, its committee system is a major driver of policy in the US. Think of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, established in 1816, which helps to shape US foreign policy.

Second, like any upper house the Senate can review and block legislation and conduct inquiries.

Third, it has the power to confirm – or block – major appointments such as nominations to the Federal Cabinet and to the US Supreme Court.

Amy Coney Barrett is the latest high-profile nominee to undergo the Senate confirmation process, on her way to being appointed to fill the latest vacancy on the Supreme Court.

Finally, membership of the US Senate is often the springboard for a future president or vice-president.

Barack Obama served as a Senator (from Illinois), as did former presidents Harry Truman, John F Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Richard Nixon.

Presidential candidate Joe Biden represented Delaware in the Senate before his vice-presidential term; his running mate Kamala Harris is a senator from California.

The Republicans have held the US Senate since early 2015, and increased their Senate majority in 2018 to 53-47.

But on November 3, the Republicans face a major task to hold their majority, regardless of the presidential outcome.

Thirty-five Senate seats – 23 of them held by Republicans –  are up for grabs.

There are no Senate contests this year in the swing states of Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Wisconsin, but the Republicans are defending crucial Senate seats in Arizona, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Colorado and North Carolina.

The Democrats will fight to retain their Senate spots in the battleground state of Michigan and In Alabama.

If the current polls are correct and Joe Biden wins the presidency, expect the electoral momentum to deliver the Democrats control of the Senate, and the significant legislative and political power that comes with it.