Senate Democrats’ path to keeping the majority became thornier Thursday with the nonpartisan Cook Political Report shifting the rating of Montana Sen. Jon Tester’s seat from “Lean Democratic” to “Toss-Up.”

The change is “yet another indication of Democrats’ tough road ahead” in the elections, Cook Political’s Jessica Taylor wrote.

Two other independent election forecasters — Inside Elections and Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia Center for Politics — also rate Mr. Tester’s seat as a toss-up.

Senate Democrats currently have a one-seat majority. Democratic incumbents need to win every race in more than a half-dozen swing states — plus have President Biden win reelection — to prevent Republicans from regaining control of the chamber.

Those states include Montana, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Nevada, Michigan and Ohio.

West Virginia is all but certain to go to Republicans with Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin III retiring from Congress.

• Ramsey Touchberry can be reached at rtouchberry@washingtontimes.com.