Democrats are seeing several obstacles in their path to maintaining their Senate majority in the 2024 election as several Democratic senators either consider moving into higher offices or retiring altogether.
The party could be thrown for a loop with Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) unveiling his reelection plans on Monday. If he decides to retire, it will throw Delaware into the mix as one of several battleground states that Republicans are already eyeing for Senate wins.
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It is possible that Carper's retirement could have the same effects as the retirement of Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), who is not seeking reelection. Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA), Barbara Lee (D-CA), and Katie Porter (D-CA) have already entered the race to take Feinstein's seat, which is likely to remain in the hands of the Democrats.
In Delaware, prominent Democrats such as Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE) could enter the race to take over for Carper. However, if Carper decides to run for reelection, he is the leading favorite in the race and will likely secure a fifth term in the Senate. He was previously state treasurer, governor, and congressman.
Other senators in various Democratic strongholds are making significant decisions that will affect Democrats' chance of holding on to the upper chamber. Democrats will have to defend 23 seats, including three held by Democratic-aligned independent senators. Republicans only need to defend 11 seats.
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Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) set off an already-crowded primary in Maryland after he announced his retirement earlier this month. Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) also announced she would not seek reelection in January. Since then, two Republicans and one Democrat are now in the running in what’s regarded as a key battleground state for both parties.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV), who has not announced a reelection campaign, remains tight-lipped on his plans, but at one time, he hinted at even running for higher office. Manchin's seat moved from "Likely Republican" to "Safe Republican" in an Elections Daily analysis. Cook Political Report still rates Manchin's Senate seat as a "toss-up."