Sabato: Democrats Still Have A Chance In Maine

Summary

Larry Sabato analyzes the U.S. midterm Senate landscape, focusing on the suddenly turbulent Maine race after Democrat Graham Platner’s withdrawal, the hurdles for Democratic unity, and the unexpected competitiveness of races in Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska. He also comments on President Trump’s removal of Election Assistance Commission members, the political weight of gas prices and affordability, the emerging data center siting controversy in Virginia, and the missed opportunity of the bipartisan housing bill that the president declined to sign.

• Maine Senate race: Democrats have a chance but party divisions could make Susan Collins favored; the race was supposed to be an easy pickup but is now tough.
• Michigan’s August Senate primary is divisive, adding another Democratic challenge in a state they need to hold.
• Democratic targets like Ohio, Iowa, and Alaska are looking more possible than expected, while some safe states become difficult.
• Trump removes Democratic Election Assistance Commission members, raising questions about future election support and sparking suspicions.
• Gas prices and broad affordability, amplified by the unpopular Iran war, are a central campaign vulnerability for the administration.
• Data center siting is becoming a bigger voter issue in Virginia, surprising observers and even prompting some Republican pushback.
• President Trump’s refusal to sign the bipartisan housing bill is a missed opportunity for a policy win and cross-party messaging.