After nearly two years enduring a functionally deadlocked US Senate, many voters are itching to make their voices heard in the 2022 midterm elections. While it is true that Democrats hold a one-seat majority in the chamber, consistent push-back from conservative Democrats has prevented the party from exercising its position in power. Will Democrats expand their majority and finally push forward on their policy goals? Or will Republicans takeover and expand their culture war?

Hey there! Just a reminder to complete the 2022 Battleground Reader Survey. As we move into election season I want to ensure I’m serving you with the content you need and enjoy! Click here to take the survey.

Open Seats

A total of seven Senate seats up for election this year will be “open seats.” This means that the current senator will be retiring at the end of this term, opening the seat up for a newcomer. A majority of these seats are representing states that voted overwhelmingly for Donald Trump in 2020, including Ohio, Oklahoma, Alabama and Missouri. Two of the seats represent swing states that could go either way: Pennsylvania and North Carolina. Vermont is widely expected to go to Democrats as Rep. Peter Welch, the state’s eight-term House representative, is running to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy.

Special Elections

California is holding two elections for one seat at the same time. One election for the remainder of the current term (Nov thru Jan) to fill the seat vacated by Vice President Kamala Harris (currently filled by appointee Alex Padilla) and a second election for the full length of the following term (starting Jan 3, 2023). Most candidates are running in both elections and analysts expect voters to choose the same person for both ballot questions.

Oklahoma is holding two elections for two different Senate seats at the same time. One election is a normal “Class 3” seat that was scheduled for this year. The other is to fill an open seat created by the recent retirement of Republican Sen. Jim Inhofe. Candidates here must only run in one election as they cannot hold two Senate seats at once.