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Is the Blue Wall in the Senate Crumbling?

October 22, 2024
As the 2024 election season heads into the final sprint, the U.S. Senate races in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan have all been downgraded by prominent political analysts into the dreaded “toss-up” category for the Democrats. For national Democrats, this is more than just a political shake-up — it’s a glaring, flashing warning sign of impending disaster.

Three of these states are home to some of the most senior Democratic incumbents in the Senate: Bob Casey (D-PA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). All three have been entrenched in their seats for over a decade, yet in what should be safe elections for them, they are now tied (or trailing) their Republican challengers.

This isn’t a fluke or a random polling anomaly; it is a direct result of the Democratic Party’s nationwide collapse under Kamala Harris' disastrous leadership. Her position at the top of the Democratic ticket is sinking the ship, and even seasoned Democratic stalwarts aren’t immune to the chaos she brings.

Let’s start with Pennsylvania. Bob Casey, who’s held his Senate seat since 2007, comes from a political dynasty. His father was a popular governor, and Casey has managed to ride that name recognition through multiple elections. But today, despite his long-standing political ties and recognition, Casey finds himself in the fight of his life against Republican businessman David McCormick. Polling now shows this race within the margin of error, a stunning development for an incumbent who should have the upper hand. And let’s not forget that Pennsylvania went to President Donald J. Trump in 2016, showing that the commonwealth isn’t as safely blue as Democrats would like to believe. Casey’s campaign strategy, which includes aligning himself with some of President Trump’s policies like tariffs, is a sign of desperation.

Ohio’s Sherrod Brown finds himself in a similar position. Brown has been in office since 2007 and is one of the Senate’s more senior Democrats. But after three terms, his career could be coming to an abrupt end. Republican challenger Bernie Moreno is proving to be a formidable opponent, tightening the polls and making Brown sweat. Ohio is a red-leaning state, and with Trump’s strong presence, Brown’s days could be numbered. Let’s be clear: If the Republicans can oust Sherrod Brown, it will send shockwaves through the Democratic Party, exposing their inability to connect with Rust Belt voters.

Wisconsin’s Tammy Baldwin has been a fixture in the Senate since 2013, but she too is fighting to keep her seat. Republican Eric Hovde is closing the gap fast, and what was once a comfortable lead for Baldwin has shrunk to single digits in most polls. Some polls even have Hovde beating her. Wisconsin is another state that delivered for Trump in 2016, and the Democrats have been hemorrhaging support in this critical battleground. Baldwin’s progressive record is out of touch with the blue-collar workers of Wisconsin, who are tired of being sidelined by left-wing policies on everything from energy to national security.

What’s driving this sudden vulnerability? Look no further than Kamala Harris. The Democrats’ decision to put her at the top of the ticket (although she didn’t earn or receive a single vote in the Primaries) is proving to be a monumental mistake. Voters nationwide, particularly in these key battleground states, do not trust her. Her leadership is seen as ineffective, disconnected, and lacking real solutions to the issues that matter most to American families — jobs, energy, and security.

Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan are all states that swung to President Trump in 2016, and it’s no coincidence that the same voters who backed President Trump then are now turning their backs on the Democrats running for Senate.

Harris’ radical agenda, from pushing for more government control over healthcare to advocating for extreme environmental policies that kill jobs, is alienating the very voters Democrats need to win over. The Harris-Biden administration’s mishandling of immigration, foreign policy, and the economy has created a ripple effect that’s putting these Democratic senators on the ropes. In a recent interview, Kamala Harris failed to identify a single decision, policy position, or Executive Action that she would have done differently than Joe Biden. Her inability to draw a contrast between herself and Biden showed the American people that she does not have the skill set to be a thought leader or a meaningful chief executive who is driven to achieve greatness on behalf of the people of this country. As they try to distance themselves from her toxic influence, the damage has already been done to Democrat candidates across the country.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign is charging ahead with a laser focus on these states. He sees what we see — Democrats are vulnerable, and these Senate races are ripe for the taking. President Trump has been campaigning aggressively in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan because he understands the critical importance of these states not just for the presidency but also for the Senate.

In Pennsylvania, President Trump’s connection with working-class voters is unshakable. His economic policies — focused on trade, manufacturing, and energy — are exactly what voters in this state want to hear. On the other hand, Bob Casey is stumbling, unsure whether to align with President Trump’s trade policies or stick to the failing Democratic platform.

In Wisconsin, Tammy Baldwin is watching her lead vanish as President Trump continues to draw massive crowds. President Trump's promise to bring energy independence back to America resonates deeply in Wisconsin, where rising energy costs and inflation are squeezing families. Baldwin’s record on these issues is abysmal, and voters are ready for a change.

In Michigan, Elissa Slotkin’s slight edge over Republican Mike Rogers is evaporating as President Trump rallies voters behind Rogers. Slotkin has failed to connect with Michigan’s core industries and has offered little in terms of solutions for the economic struggles faced by everyday Michiganders. President Trump’s focus on returning jobs to the auto industry and fighting against foreign trade deals gives Republicans a clear advantage in the state.

What does this mean for the Republican Party? The vulnerabilities of these Democratic incumbents aren’t just warning signs for the Left; they’re beacons of opportunity for the Right. Republicans have a real chance to take back the Senate and, with it, the ability to finally push through conservative reforms on everything from energy to healthcare to national security.

The Democrats are bleeding support because they’ve tied themselves to Kamala Harris’ failed leadership. Even seasoned incumbents like Casey, Brown, and Baldwin feel the heat. National Republicans need to seize this moment. This isn’t just about flipping Senate seats; it’s about reshaping the future of our country.

With President Donald Trump leading the charge in these battleground states and Republican challengers gaining ground, we are on the cusp of a red wave that could sweep Democrats out of power in crucial Senate races. If we play our cards right, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Michigan could be the keys to a Republican-controlled Senate and the conservative resurgence America so desperately needs.

The stakes are high, but the opportunity is even greater. Republicans are poised to win, and now it is up to the voters in these battleground states.

Rob Burgess is a national Republican strategist and Chief Executive Officer at Connector, a boutique government relations and political affairs firm with offices in Washington, D.C., and Dallas, Texas.
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