United States Senate Democratic Party primaries, 2022
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Elections to theU.S. Senate were held onNovember 8, 2022, and34 of the 100 seats were up for regular election. Those elected to the U.S. Senate in the 34 regular elections in 2022 began their six-year terms on January 3, 2023.
On this page, you will find:
- Partisan breakdown of the U.S. Senate
- List of Democratic primaries
- List of candidates in each state's Democratic Senate primary
- Map of states with seats up for election
- News and conflicts in these primaries
- Outside race ratings
This page focuses on the U.S. Senate Democratic primaries. For more in-depth information about the U.S. Senate battleground primaries, U.S. Senate Republican primaries, top-two primaries, top-four primaries, and general elections, see the following pages:
- U.S. Senate battleground primaries, 2022
- United States Senate Republican Party primaries, 2022
- United States Senate top-two primaries, 2022
- United States Senate top-four primaries, 2022
- United States Senate elections, 2022
Partisan breakdown
There were 34 U.S. Senate seats up for regular election in 2022—14 seats held by Democrats and 20 held by Republicans.
| U.S. Senate Partisan Breakdown | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Party | As of November 8, 2022 | After the 2022 Election | |
| Democratic Party | 48[1] | 48 | |
| Republican Party | 50 | 49 | |
| Independent | 2[1] | 3 | |
| Vacancies | 0 | 0 | |
| Total | 100 | 100 | |
Democratic primaries
Louisiana is included in the list below even though the state uses amajority-vote system in which all candidates regardless of partisan affiliation are listed on the same first-round ballot.
Candidate lists
Alabama
Democratic primary candidates
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyArizona
Democratic primary candidates- Mark Kelly (Incumbent) ✔
Arkansas
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyColorado
Democratic primary candidates- Michael Bennet (Incumbent) ✔
Connecticut
Democratic primary candidatesThis primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:
- Richard Blumenthal (Incumbent) ✔
Florida
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyGeorgia
Democratic primary candidates- Raphael Warnock (Incumbent) ✔
- Tamara Johnson-Shealey
Hawaii
Democratic primary candidates- Brian E. Schatz (Incumbent) ✔
- Steve Tataii
Idaho
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyIllinois
Democratic primary candidates- Tammy Duckworth (Incumbent) ✔
Indiana
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyIowa
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyKansas
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyKentucky
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyLouisiana[3]
There are noofficial candidates yet for this election.
Maryland
Democratic primary candidates- Chris Van Hollen (Incumbent) ✔
- Michelle Smith
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyMissouri
Democratic primary candidates- Trudy Busch Valentine ✔
- Ronald William Harris
- Jewel Kelly, Jr.
- Pat Kelly
- Lucas Kunce
- Lewis Rolen
- Gena Ross
- Joshua Shipp
- Clarence Taylor
- Spencer Toder
- Carla Wright
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyNevada
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyNew Hampshire
Democratic primary candidates- Maggie Hassan (Incumbent) ✔
- Paul Krautmann
- John Riggieri
New York
Democratic primary candidatesThis primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:
- Chuck Schumer (Incumbent) ✔
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyNorth Carolina
Democratic primary candidates- Greg Antoine
- Cheri Beasley ✔
- Chrelle Booker
- James Carr Jr.
- Robert Colon
- Alyssia Hammond
- Constance Johnson
- Tobias LaGrone
- Brendan K. Maginnis
- Everette Newton
- Marcus Williams
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyNorth Dakota
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyOhio
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyOklahoma
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyOregon
Democratic primary candidates- Ron Wyden (Incumbent) ✔
- William Barlow
- Brent Thompson
Pennsylvania
Democratic primary candidates- Valerie Arkoosh
- Kevin Baumlin
- Kael Dougherty
- Larry Johnson
- John McGuigan
- Kyle Norton
- Eric Orts
- Alan Shank
- Walter Sluzynsky
- Sharif Street
- Lew Tapera
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveySouth Carolina
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveySouth Dakota
Democratic primary candidatesThis primary was canceled and this candidate advanced:
Utah
Democratic primary candidatesThe Democratic Party primary was canceled.
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyVermont
Democratic primary candidates = candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveyWisconsin
Democratic primary candidates- Mandela Barnes ✔
- Sarah Godlewski (unofficially withdrew)
- Alex Lasry (unofficially withdrew)
- Kou Lee
- Tom Nelson (unofficially withdrew)
- Steven Olikara
- Peter Peckarsky
- Darrell Williams
= candidate completedBallotpedia's Candidate Connection surveySeats up for election
The map below shows what seats were up for election, the incumbent heading into the election in each state, the 2022 winner in each state, whether each seat was open, and race ratings before the election.
Battleground primaries
There were4 U.S. Senate Democratic battleground primaries in 2022.
- United States Senate election in Iowa, 2022 (June 7 Democratic primary)
- United States Senate election in Ohio, 2022 (May 3 Democratic primary)
- United States Senate election in Pennsylvania, 2022 (May 17 Democratic primary)
- United States Senate election in Wisconsin, 2022 (August 9 Democratic primary)
The following map shows each state with a Democratic battleground primary for U.S. Senate in 2022. Hover over or tap a state to view the incumbent's name.
News and conflicts in the 2022 Democratic Senate primaries
The following were reprinted from Ballotpedia'sThe Heart of the Primaries newsletter, which captured stories related to conflicts within each major party.
August 4, 2022
Three leading candidates withdraw from Wisconsin's U.S. Senate primary and endorse Barnes
Three of the four candidates who led in fundraising and media attention in Wisconsin's Democratic U.S. Senate primary ended their campaigns last week and endorsed Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes.
Former state Rep. Tom Nelson ended his campaign on July 25. Nelsonsaid, "It didn’t look like we were in a strong position" and that it "made sense to consolidate the progressive vote."
Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasryannounced his withdrawal on July 27: "After talking with [U.S. Sen.] Tammy [Baldwin (D)] and seeing the data, I think it was clear there was no path forward for us to be able to win. We wanted to make sure we were able to unite and rally our support to ensure we're spending every second we can to get Ron Johnson out of office."
State Treasurer Sarah Godlewski ended her campaign on July 29,saying, "I know that we're better when we all come together. If there is one thing we know about Mandela Barnes is he is no stranger to running statewide."
Barnes said in astatement, "This week has demonstrated what it looks like when we come together for a goal that is greater than ourselves. We are building a coalition that crosses generations, crosses racial divides and political divides. A coalition that includes farmers, union leaders, teachers, small business owners, and working people all across this state."
Barnes had received endorsements from the Congressional Black Caucus Political Action Committee, U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.).
Godlewski's, Lasry's, and Nelson's names will still appear on the Democratic primary ballot due to the timing of their withdrawal.
Theprimary is on Aug. 9. Incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R) is running for a third term. Wisconsin is one of two states President Joe Biden won in 2020 that is holding an election for a Senate seat a Republican holds this year. In the other state—Pennsylvania—Sen. Pat Toomey (R) is not seeking re-election.
July 21, 2022
U.S. Senate candidates debate in Wisconsin, Sanders endorses Barnes
Five U.S. Senate candidates—Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, and political organizer Steven Olikara—participated in atelevised debate hosted by TMJ4 News in Milwaukee on July 17.
TheAssociated Press’ Scott Bauerwrote, "Polls show [Barnes and Lasry] are leading the crowded field. Both Barnes and Lasry focused on Johnson, and not one another, in the debate as they advocated for getting rid of the Senate filibuster to pass a bill protecting abortion rights, passing gun safety laws, protecting the environment and tax changes to benefit the middle class."
Bauer also wrote that Godlewski "took aim at her male opponents on abortion." Godlewskisaid, “Where were you guys talking about reproductive rights at a UW forum when they asked you what your priorities were in the U.S. Senate? I was the only one talking about reproductive rights because for me this is not an afterthought." During the debate, all candidatescriticizedthe Supreme Court's decision to overturnRoe v. Wade. Barnes, Godlewski, Lasry, and Nelson said they supported getting rid of the filibuster in the U.S. Senate to codify legalized abortion protections, and Nelson said the Supreme Court should be expanded.
On July 18, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)endorsed Barnes, saying Barnes "knows the struggles of the working class" and is "the best positioned progressive candidate who will win both the primary and defeat Ron Johnson in November."
The same day, apress release from Nelson’s campaign highlighted anApril endorsement from Our Wisconsin Revolution, astate affiliate of the group Our Revolution, which Sanders founded in 2016. The statement quoted Nelson: "No one has done more to advance the cause of workers against the billionaire class than Bernie Sanders and push for Medicare for All, a Green New Deal and opposing dirty fossil fuel pipelines like Line 5. I’m proud to be the only Wisconsin campaign that’s been leading the way on these issues and will continue to."
Eight candidates are running in the Aug. 9primary.
June 30, 2022
Wisconsin U.S. Senate candidates support ending filibuster, codifying abortion rights
Four leading candidates in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate primarycalled for ending the Senate filibuster to facilitate codifying abortion rights on the federal level.
The candidates—Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Alex Lasry, and Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson—spoke at the state Democratic Party convention following theSupreme Court's decision inDobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
Politico's Zach Montellarowrote that in this primary, "even minute differences among the Democratic candidates — and how fiercely they elevate them — could define the rest of the contest."
The filibuster is a tool senators can use to extend debate on a bill or other matter, thereby delaying or blocking action on it. It takes 60 votes to end debate and move forward. Ending the filibuster would mean that a majority party could pass legislation without support from minority party members. The Senate is split 50-50, with Vice President Kamala Harris (D) serving as tie-breaker.Click here for arguments for and against the filibuster.
Nelson alsosupports expanding the Supreme Court and imposing term limits on justices. Godlewski and Lasry said in May they oppose expanding the court and would consider term limits. Barnes' campaign said he "recognizes the need for reforms in the court but is prioritizing codifying Roe v. Wade."
Incumbent Ron Johnson (R) is seeking re-election.
Theprimary is Aug. 9.
June 9, 2022
Primary results roundup
California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and South Dakota held primaries on Tuesday.
The big stories of the night: Franken defeats Finkenauer, Caruso and Bass in runoff
U.S. Senate election in Iowa:Michael Franken defeated Abby Finkenauer and Glenn Hurst.As of Wednesday morning, Franken led Finkenauer, 55% to 40%.
Franken is a retired U.S. Navy admiral whose policy priorities include lowering the eligibility age for Medicare to 50. Franken says he appeals to "that middle segment who want logical, pragmatic, smart, dedicated, national servants to work for them." Franken unsuccessfully sought the state’s Democratic Senate nomination in 2020.
Finkenauer, who served in the U.S. House from 2019 to 2021, campaigned on her support for term limits in Congress and what she called a record of bipartisanship.
Franken will face Sen. Chuck Grassley (R). Three forecasters rate the general electionSafe orSolid Republican.
Mayoral election in Los Angeles:Karen Bass and Rick Caruso advanced to a runoffas no candidate received more than 50% of the vote. As of Wednesday morning, Caruso had 42% to Bass' 37%.
Though the election was officially nonpartisan, both candidates are registered Democrats. Caruso, a real estate developer and former president of the Los Angeles Police Commission, said he changed his party registration from no party preference to Democrat in January 2022. Bass has held elected office as a Democrat since 2005 and has served in the U.S. House since 2011.
TheNew York Times' Jennifer Medinawrote that the race is "poised to become a test of whether voters this year favor an experienced politician who has spent nearly two decades in government or an outsider running on his business credentials."
Other marquee primary results
California's 27th:Incumbent Mike Garcia (R) and Christy Smith (D) advanced from a seven-candidate, top-two primary. Garcia had 50% of the vote and Smith had 35% as of Wednesday morning.
In 2020, Garcia defeated Smith in the general election by 333 votes, making it the third-closest U.S. House race that year. Brianna Lee ofLAistsaid the 2022 race should be more competitive because redistricting "jettisoned the district’s most conservative outpost in Simi Valley, giving Democratic voters even more of an edge."
California Attorney General:Incumbent Rob Bonta (D) is likely to advance from the top-two primary. Who will join him in the general is TBD.Bonta had 55% of the vote as of Wednesday morning.Republicans Nathan Hochman and Eric Early had 19% and 17%, respectively, and independent Anne Marie Schubert had 8%.
Media analysis
Politico's Ally Mutnick and Jeremy Whitewrote about how the issue of crime played out in several California races:
| “ | San Francisco voters ousted incumbent District Attorney Chesa Boudin before he completed a full term — a ringing repudiation of a broader criminal justice reform movement.…Meanwhile, the fact that Los Angeles’ mayoral contest is as competitive as it is testifies to a fraught public mood — as well as the power of a well-funded campaign. Democratic Rep. Karen Bass and ex-Republican magnate Rick Caruso are neck and neck in the vote count so far, with Caruso making his mark on the race by spending millions of dollars to amplify his message of tackling crime and homelessness. Polls have shown Angelenos feel markedly more pessimistic about the status quo on both issues. And statewide, California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s bid for a full term will also test whether anxiety about public safety has voters ready to reevaluate their embrace of criminal justice reform. Bonta has been a champion in that movement, backing policies like lesser sentencing and bans on cash bail and for-profit prisons. But polls show Californians are feeling markedly more concerned about crime — a dynamic Bonta’s opponents are trying to exploit. The outcome will also show whether an unaffiliated candidate can break through. Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert, a Republican-turned-independent, could be Bonta’s toughest opponent in November but early returns had Schubert far behind Republicans Nathan Hochman and Eric Early.[4] | ” |
TheAssociated Press' Thomas Beaumontwrote that Franken's defeat of Finkenauer in Iowa was a surprise:
| “ | Franken’s primary win is something of a surprise, given Finkenauer was better known throughout the state after her 2018 victory over a Republican congressman that made her the second-youngest woman elected to Congress. Finkenauer lost in a reelection bid in 2020 but was a frequent presence on cable television and raised millions of dollars toward her Senate run. But Franken campaigned in more than 50 of Iowa’s 99 counties, touting his upbringing in rural, northwest Iowa where Democrats have all but vanished from public office. And yet Franken beat Finkenauer soundly in the state’s most populous areas including the Des Moines metro area, as well as in the liberal bastion of Iowa City, next door to Finkenauer’s eastern Iowa base. Still, the episode turned off a number of veteran state Democratic activists, former candidates and officeholders, prompting some to give Franken a second look. He posted stronger first-quarter fundraising figures than Finkenauer and earned endorsements from some well-known former Finkenauer supporters bothered by her declining to accept responsibility for the filing mistakes.[4] | ” |
May 26, 2022
Candidates for U.S. Senate in Iowa participate in debate
On May 19, the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in Iowa participated in adebate sponsored by Iowa PBS. The candidates differed on student debt and healthcare policy.
On student debt, Abby Finkenauersaid, "If we do anything when it comes to relief, it should be targeted" and not made available to anybody making more than $100,000 per year.
Michael Frankensaid student debt relief is divisive and expressed concern about the cost of college: “Someone who graduated two years ago — do we re-compensate them? What about somebody five years from now who has a large debt? Is this an ongoing thing? And if we constantly wipe out college debt what do you think the cost of college is going to do?”
Glenn Hurstsaid he supports canceling student loan debt and repaying people who have already paid their loans off: "We really need to be looking even farther forward. … Community college should be free, so should trade schools."
The candidates also differed on healthcare policy. Finkenhauersaid she supports preserving private insurance, increasing Medicare reimbursements, and creating a public option: "If they have negotiated their health care through their union, through their employer and they like it, I’m not taking away anybody’s health care from any Iowan or any American."
Frankensaid government-run healthcare was "the future of America" butsaid it should be incrementally implemented, starting with expanding Medicare to young children and adults over 50.
Hurstsaid he supports Medicare for All: "We can’t be just putting Band-Aids on cannonball wounds. We can’t be taking the Affordable Care Act and expanding it or adding a Medicare option to it. … Medicare for All is the solution."
The candidates also said why they think they're the best choice for voters. Finkenauersaid she is the best alternative to incumbent Chuck Grassley (R): "This is what this race is about. It is making sure we hold him accountable and it's making sure you have somebody who doesn't want to spend their life in Washington, D.C., like he has."
Frankensaid his campaign appeals to voters in the middle: "It’s that middle segment who want logical, pragmatic, smart, dedicated, national servants to work for them. Leader servants. I believe I’m that person."
Hurstsaid he is "a progressive candidate in this race that is different from the other candidates." Hurstsaid other Democrats in the state have "lost because they didn’t appeal to that desire for change."
Theprimary election is on June 7.
- Click here to see stories from previous editions.
May 19, 2022
Primary results roundup
Idaho, Kentucky, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oregon held primaries on May 17.
The big stories of the night: Fetterman wins, and too-close-to-call House races in Oregon
Pennsylvania Senate:Lt. Gov. John Fetterman defeated U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb, state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, and Alexandria Khalil. As of Thursday morning, Fetterman received 59% of the vote and Lamb was second with 26%.
Fetterman's top campaign priorities were adopting a single-payer healthcare system, legalizing marijuana, and supporting LGBTQIA+ rights. The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association andThe Philadelphia Tribune were among his backers. Lamb said his priorities included expanding Medicare, reducing prescription drug prices, a $15 minimum wage, and strengthening unions. Lamb's endorsers included the Philadelphia Democratic Party andThe Philadelphia Inquirer.
Pennsylvania isone of two states Joe Biden won in 2020 that has a U.S. Senate election this year in which the current incumbent is a Republican. Pennsylvania is also one of six states with one senator who caucuses with Democrats and another who caucuses with Republicans.
Oregon's 5th: As of Thursday morning,Jamie McLeod-Skinnerled incumbent Kurt Schrader 60%-39%. Schrader has represented the 5th District since 2009. According toDaily Kos, 47% of the population in the new 5th District after redistricting comes from the old 5th District that Schrader has represented.
Schrader campaigned on what he called a record of bipartisanship, saying it represented his constituents. McLeod-Skinner criticized Schrader's record and said she'd do more on the issues of housing, healthcare, childcare, and the environment.
President Joe Biden (D) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund were among Schrader's endorsers. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and the Democratic parties in Deschutes, Linn, Clackamas, and Marion counties—containing more than 90% of the new district's voters—endorsed McLeod-Skinner.
Schrader may become thethird House member to lose a re-election bid this year. Reps. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) and David McKinley (R-W.Va.) lost their primaries.
Oregon's 6th: As of Thursday morning,Andrea Salinasled eight other candidates with 37%of the vote. Carrick Flynn was second with 19%.
Satellite group spending was a big issue in the race. The House Majority PAC spent $1 million and Protect Our Future PACspentmore than $10 million backing Flynn, while the Congressional Hispanic Caucus' Bold PAC spent $1 million supporting Salinas. Salinas and five other candidates criticized House Majority PAC's spending, saying in ajoint statement, "This effort by the political arm of the Democratic establishment to buy this race for one candidate is a slap in the face to every Democratic voter and volunteer in Oregon." The PAC's communications director said it was "doing whatever it takes to secure a Democratic House majority in 2022."
Other marquee primary results
U.S. House
- Kentucky's 3rd:Morgan McGarvey defeated Attica Scott 63% to 37%.Incumbent John Yarmuth (D) did not seek re-election. Yarmuth endorsed McGarvey. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee endorsed Scott. Three forecasters rate the general electionSafeorSolid Democratic.
- North Carolina's 1st:Donald Davis defeated three other candidateswith 63% of the vote. Erica Smith finished second with 31%. Incumbent G.K. Butterfield (D) didn't seek re-election this year. Butterfieldendorsed Davis. Three forecasters rate the generalLean Democratic.
- North Carolina's 4th:Valerie Foushee defeated seven other candidateswith 46% of the vote. Nida Allam finished second with 37%. Incumbent David Price (D) did not seek re-election. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)backed Foushee. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Allam. Three forecasters rate the generalSafeorSolid Democratic.
- Pennsylvania's 12th:This race was too close to callas of Thursday morning. Summer Leehad 41.7% to Steve Irwin's 41.3%. Forecasters rate the generalSafeorSolid Democratic.
State executive
- Oregon Governor:Tina Kotek defeated 14 other candidateswith 58%of the vote. Tobias Read finished second with 33%. Incumbent Kate Brown (D) was term-limited. Three forecasters rate the general electionLeanorLikely Democratic.
Media analysis
Politico's David Siderssaid Tuesday was a good night for progressives:
“ In North Carolina, two progressives, Nida Allam and Erica Smith, went down in open seat House primaries. But even with those losses — and even if the results in Oregon [5th and 6th District] and Pennsylvania [12th District] turn — it will go down as a good night for the left.
At a minimum, they have Fetterman and Salinas. And in the Senate, the rest of the map was pretty promising for progressives as well. A night that produced Fetterman — and Charles Booker and Cheri Beasley in Kentucky and North Carolina, respectively — as Democratic Senate nominees is a night progressives can learn to love.[4]
” CNNsaid that Fetterman's win in Pennsylvania and Cheri Beasley's win in North Carolina's U.S. Senate primary speak to a shift in the Democratic Party:
“ What it means to be a top Democratic recruit is changing.
On Tuesday night, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a 6-foot, 8-inch, bald, tattooed former mayor known for wearing shorts and hoodies, ran away with the Pennsylvania Democratic Senate primary. In North Carolina, former state Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley largely cleared the primary field and coasted to a nomination that could make her the state's first Black senator.
Their wins are part of a change within the Democratic Party, where what constituted a good recruit in cycles past meant someone who looked a lot more like the people Fetterman and Beasley beat.[4]
”
Jewish Telegraphic Agency's Ron Kampeaswrote that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee's super PAC contributed to Davis' and Foushee's wins in North Carolina:“ Moderate Democrats backed by political action committees affiliated with the AIPAC pro-Israel lobby won hotly contested Democratic primaries Tuesday, which the group said was a vindication of its controversial decision to dive into direct campaign funding.…
Both races were to replace longtime Democrats who are retiring and were two of three closely watched in the pro-Israel community because of massive injections of cash by United Democracy Project, a so-called “super PAC” launched last year by AIPAC. The PAC targeted the races because [Erica] Smith and [Nida] Allam would have added to the contingent of congressional lawmakers who seek stricter oversight and limitations on defense aid for Israel.
The third race, in Pennsylvania’s newly drawn 12th District, was too close to call, with the United Democracy-backed candidate, Pittsburgh lawyer Steve Irwin, less than a percentage point behind State Rep. Summer Lee with 98% of the vote counted.
It’s not clear how much AIPAC’s support drove the outcomes, as both Davis and Foushee had support from the local Democratic establishment and the cryptocurrency sector, which is seeking to deter congressional oversight, also poured money into the races.
But it’s clear that the pro-Israel funding, which also flowed to a lesser degree from a PAC associated with the group Democratic Majority for Israel, did register in the races. In the Pittsburgh-area district Lee was seen as the clear front-runner until she was hit by a barrage of negative ads paid for by United Democracy. And in North Carolina’s 4th District, the pro-Israel donations caused the state’s progressive caucus to rescind its endorsement of Foushee.[4]
” The Washington Post's Aaron Blakesaid Oregon's big House races were heading in a negative direction for what he called the Democratic establishment:
“ There’s a reason we focus on Trump’s endorsements: Because he makes a lot of them, and he’s obviously trying to maintain control of the party during an uncertain time. But President Biden has made a couple of endorsements, too, including for Rep. Shontel M. Brown (D-Ohio) in her landslide over Turner.
It’s worth noting that one of those endorsed — Schrader — is losing pretty badly. … Schrader is a moderate who sometimes alienated fellow House Democrats on spending bills — and who, because of redistricting, was campaigning in a very different district than in years past.
Backing an incumbent facing a primary challenge is kind of a no-brainer for a president, but it’s looking as if Oregon voters had little regard for Biden’s advice.…
Speaking of the Democratic establishment getting one wrong: Biden aside, the party more broadly didn’t fight too hard for Schrader. But a PAC affiliated with House Democratic leaders did spend $1 million on a candidate in the neighboring 6th District, Carrick Flynn. …
That investment in an apparently losing candidate, though, pales to Flynn’s biggest benefactor: cryptocurrency billionaire Sam Bankman-Fried. His Protect Our Future PAC spent more than $11 million on Flynn — a stunning sum for one out of 435 House seats — and it appears to have failed badly.
Flynn ultimately benefited from $13 million in outside spending … for 19 percent of the vote.[4]
” May 12, 2022
Dueling newspaper endorsements in Pennsylvania as Fetterman widens lead in poll
The Philadelphia Tribuneendorsed John Fetterman in Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate race, whileThe Philadelphia Inquirerendorsed Conor Lamb. A recentpoll showed Fetterman leading Lamb 53%-14%.
In its endorsement of Fetterman,The Philadelphia Tribunewrote:
“ On the issues, the Democratic candidates aren’t that far apart, but Fetterman has demonstrated through his campaign that he is the candidate with the broadest appeal across the state and is the best candidate to represent the Democratic Party’s agenda.
His background as the former mayor of Braddock, a small industrial town in Allegheny County with a large percentage of African Americans in Allegheny County, helps bring a diversity of experience that allows him to connect with residents from small rural communities to Philadelphia, the state’s largest city.[4]
” The Philadelphia Inquirer editorial boardwrote of Lamb:
“ Pennsylvanians deserve a senator who is more than just a plus-one vote for the Democratic caucus in the Senate; it’s crucial that voters elect a candidate who would add value by representing the commonwealth. Based on his history of winning extremely competitive general elections, his familiarity with Congress from his time in the House of Representatives, and his thoughtfulness on tough policy questions, we endorse Conor Lamb.[4]
” The latest Franklin & Marshall Collegepoll from April 20 to May 1 showed Fetterman with 53% support, Lamb with 14%, and Malcolm Kenyatta with 4%. Twenty-two percent were undecided. Themargin of error was +/- 6.6 percentage points. The college's last poll, from March 30 to April 10, showed Fetterman ahead of Lamb 41%-17%.
The only other independent pollster in the race is Emerson College. Apoll from the end of March showed Fetterman ahead of Lamb 33%-10%.
Theprimary is May 17.
Policy differences emerge in Iowa’s U.S. Senate primary
Differences between Iowa's Democratic Senate candidates on Ukraine and healthcare were on display both in a May 7 debate and in a new ad from candidate Michael Franken.
All three candidates in the race—Abby Finkenauer, Franken, and Glenn Hurst—participated in the debate.According to KCRG’s Mollie Swayne, "One topic where there was a significant difference of opinion was on sending American troops to aid Ukraine. Finkenauer and Hurst said there was no point at which to do so. Franken said yes, if Vladimir Putin used a nuclear weapon."
You can watch the debatehere.
Franken, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral,released his secondad on May 3. Franken said, "I’m running for the Senate to take on the big fights, from challenging drug and insurance companies with 'Medicare for All' to standing up for the environment, women’s rights, and democracy at home and abroad."
The Washington Post’s David Weigelwrote, "National Democrats have already gotten behind former representative Abby Finkenauer, but Franken is still running for U.S. Senate, endorsing Medicare-for-all on the knowledge that Finkenauer won't go there."
Finkenauer's campaignwebsite didn't include a section on healthcare policy as of May 11. The website emphasizes her support for 12-year congressional term limits andsays, "In Congress she built a reputation as someone who would work with anyone in either party to get things done, including funding the Children’s Health Insurance Program, strengthening Iowa’s flood prevention infrastructure and securing needed resources for our rural communities." Finkenauer represented Iowa's 1st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021 and was a member of the state House from 2015 to 2019.
Hurst is a physician, a member of the Minden City Council, and chairman of the Iowa Democratic Party's Rural Caucus. Hurstcalls himself "the only progressive in this race" andsaid, "I'm a Green New Deal Democrat. I’m Medicare for all Democrat. I align more closely with an Elizabeth Warren than a Pete Buttigieg."
Theprimary is on June 7. Republican incumbent Chuck Grassley is running for re-election.
May 5, 2022
May 3 primary results roundup
Ohio and Indiana held primary elections on Tuesday. Indiana's ballot included state legislative elections, while Ohio's did not, as redistricting is still underway. Key Democratic primaries took place in Ohio. Below, you'll find results from marquee Democratic primaries and takeaways.
The big story of the night: Brown wins rematch with Turner in OH-11
Ohio's 11th Congressional District:Incumbent Rep. Shontel Brown defeated Nina Turnerin Ohio's 11th Congressional District for the second time in less than a year. Brown defeated Turner 66%-34% in this year's primary and 50%-45% in the August 2021special primary.
Brown assumed office in November 2021, succeeding Rep. Marcia Fudge (D), who resigned that year to become U.S. secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Brown said she kept her promise to work with President Joe Biden (D) by voting for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and campaigned on her record. Turner said Brown hadn't done enough to change the material conditions of the district's poor and low-income residents.
Biden endorsed Brown, and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Turner. The Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC endorsed Brown, a change from 2021 when it endorsed Turner. Brown became a member of the caucus after she took office.
This is aSafeorSolid Democraticdistrict, according to three election forecasters.
Other marquee primary results
U.S. Senate
- Ohio Senate:Tim Ryan received 70% of the vote, defeating Morgan Harper and Traci Johnson. Incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R) is retiring. Race forecasters disagree on this race's outlook, calling itLean,Likely, orSolid Republican.
Local
- Nashville District Attorney:Incumbent Glenn Funk won with 43%. Sarah Beth Myers was second with 40%. Myers and P. Danielle Nellis criticized Funk's record, including his handling of a case involving an officer charged with criminal homicide. Funk defended his record.
Defeated incumbents
No Democratic incumbents lost in Tuesday’s primaries.
As with 2022, no incumbent Democratic state legislators in Indiana lost primary bids in 2020 or 2018.
The following shows data from 14 states for which we have post-filing deadline information and from two states—Texas and Indiana—where state legislative elections have taken place.
Media analysis
TheAssociated Press' Nicholas Riccardisaid Ohio's 11th District results are a reminder that the establishment has an advantage in Democratic primaries:
“ Brown’s easy victory is a reminder that the left has a very uneven track record in Democratic primaries, notching a few high-profile wins like that of U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in New York City, but mostly a long string of losses. Trump may have changed Republican primaries, but Democratic ones still tilt toward the same establishment that has run the party for decades.[4]
” Vox's Christian Pazsaid that while progressive candidates lost, progressive ideas won on May 3:
“ Though establishment-aligned candidates won in races around Ohio, they didn’t get there without embracing a slight leftward shift in their priorities.…Ryan and Brown, in their respective races, … pulled together ideas from the center and left in their pitches to voters, specifically on job creation, labor-organizing protections, a $15 minimum wage, and lowering health care costs. Though they beat left-leaning challengers, their wins also show that challenges from the left can push more moderate candidates to consider the substance of progressive demands.[4]
” Our Revolution chapter endorses Tom Nelson for Senate in Wisconsin
Our Wisconsin Revolution, a state affiliate of Our Revolution,endorsed Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson in Wisconsin's U.S. Senate primary. Our Revolution's websitesays it is "America's leading grassroots-funded progressive political organizing group." Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) founded the group.
Nelson said, "I am the proven progressive in this race. I have consistently championed economic, social and racial justice issues, so voters know exactly where I stand, unlike others in the race. … I’m the one who consistently champions these progressive issues like Medicare for All and Green New Deal. I’m the only one who opposes Title 42."
Thehealth order invokingTitle 42 is a pandemic-related restriction on immigration at U.S. land borders.
Politico's Holly Otterbeinwrote about the endorsement in connection with Lt. Gov. and Senate candidate Mandela Barnes' ideological positioning: "[W]hile Barnes backs Medicare for All and the Green New Deal, he has not made them the central focus of his campaign." Otterbein also noted Barnes' opposition to Biden's plan to end the health order invoking Title 42.
Our Wisconsin Revolution executive director Andre Walton said Barnes didn't fill out a questionnaire, which meant he couldn't be considered for the endorsement.
A campaign representative toldPolitico that Barnes has endorsements from "more than 130 local elected officials in Wisconsin, influential local and national groups, and members of Congress from all corners of the Democratic Party, from Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Sen. Cory Booker to [House] Majority Whip Jim Clyburn."
Nelson's otherendorsers include Sunrise Movement Wisconsin and several local officials.
We've tracked 11 candidates running in the Aug. 9primary so far.Nelson,Alex Lasry, andKou Lee have filled outBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey. Click their names to read their responses.
The four candidates who reportedraising more than $1 million as of March 31 were Lasry ($9.1 million), Sarah Godlewski ($5.1 million), Barnes ($4.1 million), and Nelson ($1.2 million). Lasry's total includes $5.8 million he loaned his campaign, and Godlewski's includes $2.9 million she loaned her campaign.
April 28, 2022
Utah Democrats endorse independent Evan McMullin for U.S. Senate
The Democratic Party of Utahvoted 57%-43% not to nominate a candidate for U.S. Senate at its convention Saturday, instead backing Evan McMullin, an independent running for the seat.
This means there will be no Democrat on the ballot. Candidates in Utahqualify for the ballot through a convention vote or petitions, andno Democrats qualified via petition. Democrat Kael Weston sought the convention nomination.
Supporters of the party's decisionincluded former U.S. Rep. Ben McAdams (D), who served in the House from 2019 to 2021.
The party's endorsement came one week after the United Utah Party endorsed McMullin at its state convention. This wasthe first time since the party's establishment in 2017 it voted to endorse a non-member.
McMullin, a former operations officer with the Central Intelligence Agency and policy advisor to House Republicans, ran for president in 2016 as an independent. He secured ballot access in 11 states and received more than 700,000 votes, including 21.5% of the vote in Utah. McMullinsaid Monday that if elected, he would not caucus with either party.
Incumbent Sen. Mike Lee (R) faces three Republican primary challengers. Lee hassaid he voted for McMullin for president in 2016.
In the 2020 presidential election, Donald Trump (R) defeated Joe Biden (D) 58% to 38% in Utah.Democrats haven’t won a Utah Senate race since 1970. An independent has never held the office in the state.
John Fetterman rejects progressive label in Pennsylvania U.S. Senate race
Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman, a candidate for U.S. Senate, rejected the termprogressive to describe his views in recent interviews with CNN andJewish Insider.
CNNreported:
“ A staunch backer of labor unions, Fetterman supports at least a $15 minimum wage, legal marijuana, universal health care and Black Lives Matter while calling climate change "an existential threat." But he rejects the notion that he is some kind of liberal.
"I don't mean to nitpick, but I wouldn't categorize myself as progressive," Fetterman told CNN. "I consider myself a Democrat that's running on the same platform of ideas that every other Democrat in this race is running on."[4]
” In an interview with theJewish Insider, Fettermansaid he hadn't encountered concerns that he's critical of Israel throughout his campaign, "I’m not really a progressive in that sense. … Our campaign is based on core Democratic values and principles, and always has been, and there is no daylight between myself and these kinds of unwavering commitments to Israel’s security." Fetterman said he opposed the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement and votes from some House members against funding for Israel's Iron Dome defense system last year.
Fetterman and candidates state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb expressed similar views on Israel during an April 14forum, each saying they supported security funding for Israel.
Writing about policy disagreements between those three candidates, thePhiladelphia Inquirer’s Julia Terrusosaid that only Kenyatta supports a moratorium on new fracking sites and abolishing the Electoral College. Lamb is the only candidate who opposes federal recreational marijuana legalization, instead supporting state and local decriminalization along with legalized medical marijuana. Fetterman has made recreational marijuana legalization a key issue.
Earlier this month, Lambsaid of moderate/progressive comparisons between himself and Fetterman, "I think those labels don't really mean a whole lot at the end of the day. … I'm a Democrat that represents an area where there's more Republicans than Democrats, and I've been successful at that because people felt I was working hard for them and … not so much ideological."
In related news, the super PAC Penn Progress recentlyreleased a revised version of an ad that initially called Fetterman a "self-described socialist." The new ad says Fetterman "sought the Democratic Socialists' endorsement," which he did in 2017. Fetterman said in a Pittsburgh DSA questionnaire, "I don’t consider myself a socialist." He did not receive the endorsement.
Theprimary is May 17.
April 21, 2022
Update: Finkenauer back on Iowa's U.S. Senate ballot
The Iowa Supreme Courtruled that Abby Finkenauer can appear on the SenateDemocratic primary ballot after a lower court ruled she could not. The state supreme court said the state legislature "did not include missing or incorrect dates as one of the grounds for sustaining an objection to a petition." As we wrotelast week, a lower court said Finkenauer didn't meet the state's ballot access requirements.
April 14, 2022
Iowa judge rules Finkenauer can't appear on primary ballot
On April 10, Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie ruled that U.S. Senate candidate Abby Finkenauer didn't meet the state’srequirements to appear on theDemocratic primary ballot.
The disqualification process began when two Iowa Republicans challenged Finkenauer's petitions with theState Objection Panel. The challengesaid Finkenauer failed to submit valid signatures from at least 100 eligible voters in 19 different counties, a requirement for U.S. Senate candidates in Iowa, because some signatures were not properly dated.
On March 29, the panel—comprised of Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate (R), Attorney General Tom Miller (D), and State Auditor Rob Sand (D)—dismissed the challenge in a 2-1 vote,ruling that the dates of the signatures could be inferred using the dates of the signatures before and after the ones in question. Patevoted against allowing Finkenauer on the ballot.
Polk County District Judge Scott Beattie said the panel incorrectly interpreted theregulationsgoverning signature requirements. Beattie ruled that three signatures were invalid, which left Finkenauer with an insufficient number of signatures in two counties.
Finkenauer appealed the ruling to the Iowa Supreme Court. Finkenauersaid, "In a massive gift to Washington Republicans, this partisan decision overrules both the Republican secretary of state’s office and the bipartisan panel, ignores decades of precedent, interferes in the electoral process, and makes a mockery of our democracy."
The state supreme court heardoral arguments on April 13 and is expected to issue a ruling this week. No ruling had been issued as of Thursday morning.
Finkenauer represented Iowa's 1st Congressional District from 2019 to 2021. Michael Franken and Glenn Hurst are running in the Senate Democratic primary, which is scheduled for June 7.
April 7, 2022
Recent polling and debates in the Democratic Senate primary in Pennsylvania
There've been a number of developments in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania since our last issue, including a new poll and the first debate.
Rep. Conor Lamb and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyattaparticipated in the April 3 debate at Muhlenberg College. The candidates disagreed on fracking policy.
Lambsaid, "It is very, very widely supported by people all over the state because of the opportunities that it brings" and that it is the "single technology that has allowed us to reduce our carbon emissions in the United States the most." Lamb added that "it has to be done responsibly."
Kenyattasaid pipeline developers have faced sanctions and lawsuits and, "If we’re going to get to a clean energy future, we have to stop approving new fracking permits."
TheAssociated Press' Marc Levyreported, "Pennsylvania is the nation's No. 2 natural gas-producing state."
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman did not participate in this debate,saying that he's committed to three others that will reach more viewers. Lamb and Kenyatta criticized Fetterman for not attending and brought up a 2013 incident in which Fetterman pulled a gun on an unarmed Black man.
Lambsaid, "It was wrong when he did that. … And he skipped the debate today because he doesn’t think he has to answer."
Kenyatta said, “[Fetterman] was dead wrong. … And now he refuses to come here but expects you to vote for him."
Fettermanhas said he heard what he believed were gunshots and saw a man running toward an elementary school. Fetterman said he called the police andfollowed the man in his truck. The man, Christopher Miyares, said Fetterman pointed a shotgun at his chest. Fetterman said the gun was not loaded and that he did not point it at Miyares. According to police reports, Miyares was unarmed.
Fettermanresponded to Lamb's criticism, "Conor is in the middle of a meltdown because he saw his poll numbers at 10%. … So he is resorting to these desperate smears against fellow Democrats that I wouldn’t choose to make, but that’s the campaign he’s running."
A recent Emerson College pollshowed Fetterman with 33% support among likely Democratic primary voters. Lamb received 10%, Kevin Baumlin (whowithdrew from the race on March 31) received 9%, and Kenyatta, 8%. Thirty-seven percent were undecided. The poll was conducted between March 26 and March 28 and had a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points.
As we wrotelast month, Lamb received the Philadelphia Democratic Party's endorsement. Lamb also received 61% support on the second ballot at the state Democratic Party’s meeting —short of the two-thirds required for an endorsement but ahead of Fetterman, who received 23%, and Kenyatta, who received 15%.
Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R) is not running for re-election. Pennsylvania is one of two states holding aSenate election in 2022 with a GOP incumbent that Joe Biden (D) won in the 2020 presidential election. And it's one of three Senate election states with one Democratic and one Republican senator. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. (D) holds Pennsylvania's other Senate seat.
The primary is set for May 17.
Trudy Busch Valentine enters Senate primary in Missouri
On March 29, Trudy Busch Valentineannounced her campaign for U.S. senator from Missouri. State Sen. Scott Siftondropped out of the race on March 28 and endorsed Busch Valentine, a registered nurse and the daughter of August Busch, the former majority shareholder of beer company Anheuser-Busch.
In her campaign launch video, Busch Valentine says, "Too often, neighbors and families just stop talking to each other. And the politicians in Washington continue to divide us even further. Most Missouri families include Democrats, independents, and Republicans. Mine sure does. But it seems we've lost our ability to be understanding and compassionate for each other."
The Kansas City Star's Daniel Desrochers said that Busch Valentine’s campaign launch video "appears focused on the political middle-ground, drawing on an argument recently made by former U.S. Sen. Jack Danforth that there’s room for a centrist candidate in the U.S. Senate race because of voter fatigue with the polarization of the two major parties."
Desrochers contrasted that to candidate Lucas Kunce's approach, saying Kunce "has been attempting to run a populist campaign to win back working-class voters who have fled the Democratic Party for the GOP."
Kunce is a former Marine andis the director of national security policy at the American Economic Liberties Project. His campaign representative said, "Missouri deserves a warrior for working people, a proven patriot who’s served his country, who has the courage to stand up to criminal politicians, corrupt elites running massive multinational corporations and billionaire heiresses who have been stripping our communities for parts."
As of Dec. 31, Kunce hadraised $2.5 million. Sifton was second with $890,000.
Theprimary is set for Aug. 2.
Tim Ryan's first TV ad focuses on China, Morgan Harper responds
Tim Ryan's firstTV ad in Ohio's U.S. Senate election focuses on China. Ryan says, "China is out-manufacturing us left and right. … America can never be dependent on Communist China. … We need to build things in Ohio, by Ohio workers."
Senate candidate Morgan Harper releasedan ad on social media calling Ryan "Trumpesque" and alternating footage of Ryan and former President Donald Trump saying "China." Harper wrote, "We will not win by trying to be Republicans. We can be honest about the threats we face while also energizing people towards a positive vision for the future."
The Asian American Midwest Progressives, which endorsed Harper,said the ad "builds upon long-standing racist and demonizing narratives about people of Chinese descent" and called on Ryan to take it down.
Ryansaid the ad was directed at the Chinese government and, "I've spent my entire career sounding the alarm on China, who — thanks to a concerted strategy by their Communist government that has included currency manipulation, intellectual property theft, and artificially depressed wages, use of child labor, and brutal working conditions — has been our greatest economic adversary for 40 years."
Harper also released herfirst TV ad recently. She says in the ad, "I’m the only Democrat for Senate who’s always supported Medicare for All and a $15 living wage, who’s always been pro-choice and supports expanding the Supreme Court to protect women’s rights."
Ryan has served in the U.S. House since 2003. He was a 2020 Democratic presidential candidate. Harper was a senior advisor for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and challenged Rep. Joyce Beatty (D) in the 3rd Congressional District primary in 2020, losing 32% to 68%. Tech executive Traci Johnson is also running in theMay 3 primary.
Incumbent Sen. Rob Portman (R) isn't seeking re-election. Three election forecasters rate the general election eitherLean,Likely, orSolid Republican.
March 31, 2022
Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in Ohio meet for debate
The three Democratic primary candidates for U.S. Senate—Tim Ryan, Morgan Harper, and Traci Johnson—met for adebate at Central State University Monday.
Cleveland.com's Seth A. Richardsonsaid Harper "squarely focused nearly all her answers on what she described as Ryan’s shortcomings during his two decades in Congress. Ryan was generally unapologetic about his record while shifting many of his answers to how the United States could compete with China."
Harpersaid Ryan accepted money from a political action committee associated with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who opposes theBuild Back Better Act. Ryan said that he voted for Build Back Better and that he welcomed support from any source.
The candidates disagreed on the structure of the Supreme Court:
- Harpersaid she supports expanding the court: "We have an institution that has been radicalized by the GOP. We need to be honest about the fact it's happening. We need to balance it, especially when it comes to abortion access."
- Johnsonsaid, "We need to tread lightly because if we expand the court as Democrats, then when Republicans come in, they'll expand the court, and then the court will lose its power."
- Ryansaid, "I am not for stacking the court. We need to nominate justices like Judge Jackson. She is the epitome of who we want on the Supreme Court: A record of supporting working people and Roe vs. Wade."
Harper was a senior advisor for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and challenged Rep. Joyce Beatty (D) in the 3rd Congressional District primary in 2020, losing 32% to 68%. Johnson is a tech executive. Ryan was first elected to the U.S. House in 2002.
No more debates between the three Democrats are currently scheduled. Theprimary is set for May 3.
Harper filled outBallotpedia's Candidate Connection survey.Click here to read her responses.
March 24, 2022
Philadelphia Democratic Party endorses Conor Lamb for Senate
The Democratic Party of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania's largest city, endorsed Conor Lamb for U.S. Senate. Lamb faces four other candidates in the Democratic primary, including state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman.
Philadelphia Democratic Party Chairman Bob Bradysaid Lamb "talked to every ward leader … he’s talked to a lot of committee people. He’s been in the city a lot, and he campaigned. Fetterman has done no campaigning whatsoever." Brady also said that "there are people who … didn’t think Malcolm could win. They didn’t think he had the money, and they don’t think he could win the primary or the general."
Fetterman led infundraising as of Dec. 31 with $12 million. Lamb was second with $4 million and Kenyatta third with $1.5 million.
Fetterman's representative, Joe Calvello,told The Daily Beast, "We believe this campaign is not going to be won in hotel ballrooms and by backroom deals. … It’s going to be won by going to every county across the state and appealing to the actual voters."
The Philadelphia Inquirercalled the city party's endorsement, along with former Mayor John Street's and his son state Sen. Sharif Street's endorsements of Lamb, "a somewhat expected snub" to Kenyatta, one of Philadelphia's representatives in the state House.
Kenyatta said that many committee people hadendorsed his campaign and that he has "never been the candidate of the establishment— and that is not the path to winning this election."
As we wrotebefore, the state Democratic Party did not endorse in the Senate race. Lamb received 61% support on the second ballot at the party's meeting—short of the two-thirds required for an endorsement. Fettermangot 23% and Kenyatta, 15%.
See a summary of issue differences between these three candidateshere.
Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R) is retiring. Theprimary is May 17.
Tony Evers won't endorse in Wisconsin U.S. Senate primary; Marianne Williamson endorses Tom Nelson
Here's a quick look at the latest developments in Wisconsin's Democratic Senate primary.
- Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D)said on March 17 it would not be appropriate for him to pick a favorite in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate as the state party's top elected official.
- Former Democratic presidential primary candidate Marianne Williamson endorsed Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson on Monday. Williamsonsaid Nelson is "a change agent in confronting the various crises facing our nation."
- Both Nelson and Williamson said the economy and labor are key issues in their Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey responses. Nelson's answer to the question "What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?"included the following:
“ From Kellogg to Starbucks to John Deere to local nurses, workers are demanding their rights to be paid fairly and with humane working conditions. I am a longtime advocate of repealing Taft-Hartley, which limits the ability of workers to strike and allows for right-to-work laws.[4]
” Read Williamson's 2020 survey responseshere.
We've tracked11 candidates in the Democratic primary so far, including Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, and Milwaukee Bucks executive Alex Lasry. Barnes'endorsers include Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), three U.S. representatives, and the Working Families Party. In addition to Williamson, Nelson hasendorsements from Sunrise Wisconsin and several labor groups. Lasry also has labor groupendorsers. EMILY's List and former Rep. Donna Shalala (D-Fla.) are among Godlewski'sendorsers.
Candidates have until June 1 to file for the Aug. 9primary. Incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R) is seeking re-election. Two election forecasters rate the general electionLeans Republican and one rates itToss-up.
March 10, 2022
U.S. Rep Matt Cartwright endorses Rep. Conor Lamb in Pennsylvania's U.S. Senate primary
On March 5, U.S. Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.)endorsed fellow Rep. Conor Lamb (D-Pa.) in the Democratic Senate primary. Lamb also announced endorsements from several Democratic state representatives.
Lamb is one of 12 candidates running in theprimary. Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D) and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D) have also received several endorsements.
Fetterman served as mayor of Braddock from 2005 to 2019. Hisendorsers include current Braddock Mayor Delia Lennon-Winstead, the Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, the United Steelworkers District 10, and UFCW Local 1776.
Kenyatta’sendorsers include the American Federation of Teachers, the Working Families Party, Brand New Congress, and U.S. Reps. Al Green (D-Texas) and Sharice Davids (D-Kan.).
In addition to Cartwright’s endorsement, Lamb’s other endorsers include the Pennsylvania State Democratic Committee’s Latino Caucus, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, and several labor organizations.
As we wrotelast month, the Pennsylvania Democratic Party did not endorse in the primary at its Jan. 29 meeting. Lamb received 61% support on the final ballot and Fetterman received 23%. A candidate needed two-thirds of the vote to win the endorsement.
ThePhiladelphia Inquirer’s Julia Terrusowrote that the three candidates disagree on federal marijuana legalization, fracking moratoriums, and the Electoral College.
- Terruso said Kenyatta supports a moratorium on new fracking sites, while Fetterman and Lamb "both oppose any ban, favoring a more gradual transition from natural gas."
- Fetterman and Kenyatta support federal recreational marijuana legalization—which Fetterman has made a top priority—while Lamb supports state and local decriminalization along with legalized medical marijuana.
- Kenyatta supports, and Fetterman and Lamb oppose, abolishing the Electoral College.
Sen. Pat Toomey (R) is not running for re-election. The primary is May 17.
February 24, 2022
Ohio Democratic Party endorses in Senate primary, stays neutral in gubernatorial primary
The Ohio Democratic Partyendorsed U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan forU.S. Senate over Morgan Harper and Traci Johnson on Feb. 17. The party also announced it would not endorse in the Democraticgubernatorial primary.
Ryan, whoseother endorsers include U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), the state AFL-CIO, and the United Auto Workers, has been a member of the U.S. House since 2003 and ran for president in 2020. Harper has endorsements fromBrand New Congress and theProgressive Change Campaign Committee. Harper challenged U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty in the 2020 Democratic primary for Ohio's 3rd Congressional District,losing 68% to 32%.
Before the party's endorsement meeting, Harper issued a request that it remain neutral in the Senate race. Following the announcement, Harpertweeted, "They will continue to tip the scales for our establishment opponent. It’s official: it’s us against the machine."
Johnsontweeted, "ODP decision to endorse is disappointing but not unexpected. The Voters have the final say - Game On!"
Ryansaid, "If the party folks decide to endorse, we want the endorsement. We're not going to get into whether or not they should or shouldn't."
The party's decision to not endorse a gubernatorial candidate came after both candidates—former Cincinnati Mayor John Cranley and former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley—separatelyrequested that the party not endorse a candidate.
Both offices will be on the May 3 primary ballot.
February 10, 2022
Arkoosh exits Senate primary in Pennsylvania
Montgomery County Commissioner Valerie Arkooshsuspended her U.S. Senateprimary campaign in Pennsylvania.
As wewrote last week, the state Democratic Party recently held an endorsement meeting where no candidate reached the two-thirds vote threshold for an endorsement. Arkooshreceived less than 15% support on the first ballot, disqualifying her from the second round of voting. Arkoosh hadraised the third-highest amount in the primary at $2.7 million through Dec. 31.
Conor Lamb and John Fetterman received the highest and second-highest vote percentages from state party members at the endorsement meeting. Fetterman raised $12 million and Lamb, $4 million through Dec. 31.
February 3, 2022
Pennsylvania Democratic Party does not endorse in Senate primary
No U.S. Senate primary candidate reached the two-thirds vote threshold required for the Pennsylvania Democratic Party's endorsement at a meeting on Jan. 29. Conor Lamb received 61% support on the second and final ballot. John Fetterman received 23%.
Politico's Holly Otterbeinsaid: "The non-endorsement is a disappointment for Conor Lamb, who has been trailing behind primary frontrunner John Fetterman … The lack of an endorsement is also a small victory for the other candidates in the primary, who were not expected to win the party’s backing."
Fettermanraised $12 million through Dec. 31. Lamb was second with $4 million, followed by Valerie Arkoosh with $2.7 million.Otterbein reported the following messaging from candidates to state party committee members:
“ In several mailers sent to state committee members, Lamb’s team argued that he "is the Only Senate Candidate to Beat the Trump Machine — Three Times." They also championed him as a proponent of ending the filibuster.
Literature passed out by Fetterman’s campaign touted him as an "UNAPOLOGETIC POPULIST" with a "NO-BS STYLE" who is the "ONLY CANDIDATE, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, WHO HAS WON STATEWIDE."[4]
” Fetterman is the state's lieutenant governor, and Lamb represents the 17th Congressional District.
At least 13 candidates are running in theMay 17 primary. Incumbent Sen. Pat Toomey (R) is retiring.
January 27, 2022
Democratic fundraising up after Johnson (R) announces re-election bid, Lasry launches seven-figure ad buy
Several Democrats running for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin said they saw boosts in fundraising after incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R)announced he would seek re-election on Jan. 9. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes’ campaignsaid it raised almost $150,000 in the 72 hours following Johnson's announcement.According to the Wisconsin State Journal’s Alexander Shur, the campaigns of state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski, Outagamie County Executive Tom Nelson, and Milwaukee Bucks Executive Alex Lasry reported fundraising increases.
Thedeadline for candidates to file their fourth-quarter fundraising report is Jan. 31.The Hill’s Julia Manchestersaid the Senate race is "on track to be one of the most expensive of the cycle. Barnes raised $1.1 million between July 1 and Sept. 30. Godlewski and Lasry also raised more than $1 million during the time period, but each donated large sums of money to their campaigns."
After Lasry’s campaignannounced a seven-figure media buy, NBC’s Natasha Koreckisaid, "This is the largest primary spending by a candidate in the Wisconsin Senate primary race of 2022 so far. … The rotation of ads, first provided to NBC News, offer a glimpse into the issues that could shape the race, such as inflation and the supply chain crunch. They are all issues where the president is faltering nationally but Lasry promises to address back home — and argues he already has."
Other issues in the race have manifested in candidates' early policy plans.According to the Associated Press’ Scott Bauer, while Barnes and Lasry have "focused their first policy initiatives on voting rights and other issues related to protecting the democracy. … Godlewski’s [first major policy plan] takes a different approach, trying to appeal to rural Democrats who could be an important voting bloc in the Aug. 9 primary. [Nelson] has also pitched himself to rural voters as a folksy populist."
Theprimary is scheduled for Aug. 9.
January 20, 2022
Democratic candidates air ads criticizing Sen. Joe Manchin
Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate in at least four states have run ads criticizing Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), who is next up for re-election in 2024. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes (Wis.), Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (Penn.), retired Adm. Michael Franken (Iowa), and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan (Ohio) are among the 15 Democratic congressional candidates who have run a combined 700 negative ads against Manchin so far this cycle,according toNewsweek’s Shane Croucher.
The bulk of the negative ads have criticized what they describe as Manchin’s unwillingness to work with fellow Democrats, particularly on the negotiations surrounding theBuild Back Better bill. With the Senate split 50-50, Democrats would need the support of every Democratic senator—as well as Vice President Kamala Harris’ (D) tie-breaking vote—to pass the $1.75 trillion budget framework.
On Dec. 19, Manchin cited concerns about debt, inflation, threats from COVID and other nations, and the reliability of the electric grid,saying, "I have always said, 'If I can’t go back home and explain it, I can’t vote for it.' Despite my best efforts, I cannot explain the sweeping Build Back Better Act in West Virginia and I cannot vote to move forward on this mammoth piece of legislation."
The ads are “another reminder of the depth of the disappointment and hostility toward Manchin that’s taken hold of the Democratic base,”according to thePennsylvania Capital-Star’s John Micek.
Nate Lerner, founder of the digital consulting group Build the Wave,said in an interview with Newsweek that “It is extremely uncommon to name a party colleague in a negative ad outside of a primary…I think we will see more of it moving forward as progressives split further from right-leaning Democrats like Manchin and [Arizona Sen. Kyrsten] Sinema.”
Manchin was governor of West Virginia from 2004 to 2010, when he was first elected to the Senate. In 2012, Manchin defeated Republican opponent John Raese 61% to 37%. In 2018, Manchin defeated Patrick Morrisey (R) 49.6% to 46.3%. Former President Donald Trump (R)defeated President Joe Biden (D) 69% to 30% in West Virginia.
December 2, 2021
Vermont follow-up: Welch running for Senate with Sanders endorsement
Since ourfirst issue, which discussed Sen. Patrick Leahy's (D-Vt.) retirement, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) announced he isrunning for the open Senate seat. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) endorsed Welch the same day. We noted that several potential candidates said they would not run if Welch entered the race or if he received Sanders' endorsement. Attention is shifting to the open House race. Welch has represented the district since 2007, when he succeeded Sanders.
Four Democrats haveexpressed interest so far:
- State Senate President Pro Tem Becca Balint, in office since 2015
- Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, in office since 2021
- State Sen. Kesha Ram-Hinsdale, in office since 2021
- State Rep. Tanya Vyhovsky, in office since 2021. Vyhovsky is a member of the Vermont Progressive Party and the Democratic Party.
Vermont is the only state that has not had a female member of Congress.
Theprimary is scheduled for Aug. 9.
November 18, 2021
With Sen. Leahy retiring, eyes are on Sanders for endorsement in Vermont
U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced on Nov. 15 that he won't run for re-election in 2022. Leahy, who has served in the U.S. Senate since 1975, is thelongest-serving senator currently in office. Leahysaid, "While I will continue to serve Vermont, Marcelle and I have reached the conclusion that it is time to put down this gavel. It is time to pass the torch to the next Vermonter who will carry on this work for our great state."
The filing deadline is set for May 26, andprimaries are scheduled for Aug. 9.
According toAxios' Hans Nichols, U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is "indicating to colleagues he's preparing to run" for the seat.
Nichols said Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has "the potential to play kingmaker."The Intercept’s Ryan Grimwrote, “If Sanders endorses Welch, he functionally forecloses any challenge from the left. State Rep. Tanya Vyhovsky is also contemplating a run for Senate … but toldThe Interceptshe won’t do so if Sanders gets behind Welch."
Lisa Rathke ofThe Associated Presswrote that Vermont is the only state that has never had a female member of Congress. Rathke named Vermont Lt. Gov. Molly Gray, Vermont Senate President Pro Tempore Becca Balint, and state Sen. Kesha Ram Hinsdale as other potential Democratic candidates.VTDigger's Lola Duffort and Sarah Mearhoffsaid the three have indicated they wouldn't run against Welch if he ran for Senate but may run for the House district he represents if he doesn't seek re-election.
State, county Democratic Party conflict in Nevada affecting campaigns
In March, the Democratic Party of Nevada held elections for its five leadership positions. Democratic Socialists of America-endorsed candidates won all five posts. After the election, the party's executive director, Alana Mounce, told Judith Whitmer, the new chair, that Mounce and the remaining staff and consultants were resigning.
The Hill'sReid Wilsonwrote in June that the Washoe County Democratic Party voted "to take over coordinated campaign duties for the entire state, effectively becoming the conduit through which national party organizations will funnel campaign money into Nevada." That money is directed to an organization called Nevada Democratic Victory. Wilson noted that similar state and local party splits occurred in Nevada's Republican Party in 2012 and North Carolina's Democratic Party in 2014.
As of early November, the shift in coordinated campaign duties meant candidates, including incumbents Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto and Gov. Steve Sisolak, who hold offices considered competitive in 2022, did not haveaccess to voter files. Whitmer said Nevada Democratic Victory had not tried to purchase that data yet and that "they’ve had contracts on their desks for a while now." According toPolitico's Holly Otterbein, "A person close to Nevada Democratic Victory said it has not been offered any contract to get hold of the data."
Whitmer told a group in May, "We’ve been advocating a lot of progressive policies. … Our legislators, obviously, aren’t all on board, but they’re going to have to be really, really soon. ... We’re going to start holding those elected officials accountable which is something they’re not used to here in Nevada."
We'll be following the happenings within Nevada's state and county party organizations throughout 2022 for any effects this conflict may have on primary elections. The state's filing deadline for candidates is scheduled for March 18 and theprimaries are scheduled for June 14.
Clyburn, Sunrise endorse candidates for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin
Twelve candidates are currently running inWisconsin's Democratic Senate primary. Incumbent Sen. Ron Johnson (R), who first took office in 2011, has not yet announced if he will run for re-election. On Nov. 8, House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-S.C.)endorsed Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, saying, "Mandela is hands-down the best candidate to defeat Senator Ron Johnson, expand our majority in the United States Senate, and deliver results for the people of Wisconsin."
The Wisconsin chapter of the Sunrise Movement endorsed Outagamie County executive and former state Assemblymember Tom Nelson on Nov. 11. A local coordinatorsaid Nelson "understands the moment we are in where our country has billionaires and corporations controlling our corrupt Congress while the rest of us and the planet suffer."
The Hill’s Julia Manchesterwrote that Sunrise's endorsement "shows a growing endorsement battle in the Democratic primary between progressives and more establishment figures and organizations." Manchester said Barnes' campaign "has also touted their own slate of progressive endorsements including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and the Working Families Party."
Other candidates include state Treasurer Sarah Godlewski and Milwaukee Bucks Senior Vice President Alex Lasry. EMILY’s List hasendorsed Godlewski, and Lasry hasendorsements from local Democratic Party leaders.
The filing deadline for this race is June 1. According to Wisconsin Public Radio's Laurel White, this is thefirst contested Democratic primary for one of Wisconsin’s Senate seats since 1992. Primaries are scheduled for Aug. 9.
Outside ratings
The following table compared U.S. Senate race ratings fromThe Cook Political Report,Sabato's Crystal Ball, andInside Elections prior to the November 2022 elections.
Special elections
Special elections toUnited States Senate are often required in the event of vacancies. This table lists special Senate elections from 2021 to 2022.
| Results of special elections to the 117th Congress (Senate) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Race | Election date | Incumbent | Winner | Election MOV | Previous election MOV | 2020 Presidential election MOV (statewide)[5] |
| California Senate | November 8, 2022 | Kamala Harris | Alex Padilla | D+17.6 | D+23 | D+55 |
| Oklahoma Senate | November 8, 2022 |  Jim Inhofe | Markwayne Mullin | R+26.6 | R+30 | R+7 |
Presidential election data in 2022 Senate election states
Republicans were defending two Senate seats in statesJoe Biden (D) won in the2020 presidential election:
- Pennsylvania: Biden defeatedDonald Trump (R) 50.0%-48.8%. IncumbentPat Toomey did not seek re-election.
- Wisconsin, Biden defeated Trump 49.5%-48.8%. IncumbentRon Johnson sought re-election.
Democrats were not defending any Senate seats in statesDonald Trump (R) won in 2020.
See also
- United States Congress elections, 2022
- U.S. Senate battleground primaries, 2022
- United States Senate elections, 2022
- United States Senate Republican Party primaries, 2022
- United States Senate top-two primaries, 2022
- United States Senate top-four primaries, 2022
- United States Senate Democratic Party primaries, 2020
- United States Senate Republican Party primaries, 2020
- United States House of Representatives elections, 2022
- United States House Democratic Party primaries, 2022
- United States House Republican Party primaries, 2022
Footnotes
- ↑1.01.1Independent Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Angus King (I-Maine) caucus with the Democratic Party.
- ↑Alaska held top-four all-party primaries.
- ↑Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑270towin, "Historical Timeline," accessed March 25, 2022
