After a brutal 2024 cycle, Senate Democrats were hoping to turn the page and go on offense in 2026. But a string of retirements in battleground states is instead forcing the party to defend seats while they’re already mired in the minority.
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March 12, 2025
Another one down: Shaheen announcement underscores Democrats’ 2026 mess
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Tina Smith to retire, plus Kennedy, Rollins confirmed as Senate chugs along
Smith said there’s “a deep bench of talent” in the state and she wanted to make an announcement early on so that Democrats had time to launch their campaigns.
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How the Senate might look next year and what that means for power
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