Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Senator Mark Begich has always fought for what’s right for his state. After serving nearly six years as mayor of Anchorage, Senator Begich was elected to the Senate in 2008. In the Senate, Senator Begich has focused on building a strong Alaska economy by reducing the national deficit, reforming the tax code, and building a national energy policy that emphasizes Alaska's oil and gas resources, an Alaska natural gas pipeline and the state’s many renewable resources.
Georgia offers Democrats one of their best pick-up opportunities. Republican Senator Saxby Chambliss, first elected in 2002, recently announced his intention to retire at the end of 2014. The Republican primary, which already includes House Republicans Congressmen Paul Broun, Congressman Phil Gingrey, and Congressman Jack Kingston, along with former Secretary of State Karen Handel Dollar General CEO David Perdue, is likely to be divisive and produce a nominee that is to the far right of the electorate. Meanwhile, Democrats continue to gain strength in the state.
Senator Daniel Inouye honorably and courageously served his state and his country for decades in the military and in the US Senate. Following his passing late last year, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie appointed Lt. Governor Brian Schatz to serve in Senator Inouye’s seat until the special election is held in 2014. Hawaii is one of the most Democratic states in the country.
Senator Dick Durbin has been a strong voice advocating for Illinois’ working families. As the Assistant Majority Leader, Senator Durbin has been a leader in America’s economic recovery, the effort to make health care more affordable and accessible, and protect consumers in Illinois and across the country. A close ally of President Obama, Senator Durbin is helping lead efforts to pass the DREAM Act, save students from debt, protect the Great Lakes, invest in infrastructure and build bipartisan consensus to solve the nation’s fiscal challenges.
Senator Tom Harkin announced he will retire from the Senate at the end of his term in 2014 after a career fighting for Iowa families and farmers. Iowa has a strong record of electing great Democrats and the DSCC is confident that we will elect Congressman Bruce Braley to Senator Harkin's seat next November. Congressman Braley has repeatedly proven himself to be a fighter for middle-class families will continue Senator Harkin’s legacy of always putting Iowa first.
Known as one of the most partisan politicians in the country, Senator McConnell has faced criticism from Democrats, Independents, and Republicans for his nasty brand of personal politics. Senator McConnell famously said that his top priority in the Senate was to defeat President Obama. Even though he failed to achieve his goal, Senator McConnell has worked to obstruct nearly every effort to create jobs and promote economic growth. Polls show that Senator McConnell is deeply unpopular in Kentucky and there are a number of strong Democratic candidates who could contest this seat.
Senator Mary Landrieu has spent her career serving Louisiana as a centrist, pragmatic leader in Washington who will do whatever is in the best interests of the people of her state. Senator Landrieu has championed coastal recovery efforts and worked hard on behalf of the state’s small businesses. Since her first election in 1996, Senator Landrieu has successfully been reelected to serve the people of Louisiana by increasing margins. Republicans expect to face a divisive, expensive primary that will hurt their chances of winning in a general election.
Republican Senator Susan Collins enters the 2014 cycle bracing for a tough reelection campaign in a state that has turned increasingly Democratic in recent years. President Obama carried Maine overwhelmingly in 2008 and again in 2012. While most of the state has shifted toward Democrats, the Tea Party has gained tremendous influence among the dwindling Republican ranks with the election of Tea Party Governor Paul LePage. The combination of the two could equal trouble for Senator Collins in a potential primary or general election.
The special election to fill Secretary of State John Kerry’s seat will be June 25th and Democrats are confident that we will retain the seat. Congressman Ed Markey has spent his career fighting for middle class families and working people. He has been endorsed by many top Democrats including Secretary of State John Kerry, Vicki and Caroline Kennedy, Boston Mayor Tom Menino, the SEIU, the AFL-CIO, and the League of Conservation Voters. Every Massachusetts and national Democrat from President Obama and the DSCC on down are committed to making sure Democrats win this seat.
After a long career as a distinguished leader for Michigan and on behalf of our men and women in uniform, Senator Carl Levin announced he will retire from the Senate at the end of his term in 2014. Democrats and the DSCC are confident we will elect Congressman Gary Peters to continue Senator Levin’s legacy as a champion for Michigan’s working families and standing up to special interests. Congressman Peters, a veteran of the Navy reserves, who volunteered to serve his country after 9/11, has fought to help small businesses and Michigan's middle class.
Senator Al Franken has spent his first term working in a bipartisan way to improve the lives of Minnesota families. He quickly built a reputation in Washington as a hardworking, effective legislator who is willing to work with anyone to deliver for his state. He has been a champion for veterans, health care reform, and Minnesota’s small businesses and middle class. Republicans will try to challenge Senator Franken, but polls show him well-positioned for reelection.
After nearly 35 years of service to the people of Montana, Senator Max Baucus announced he will retire at the end of his term in 2014. As Montana's Senior Senator and Chairman of the Finance Committee, Senator Baucus has shaped and guided legislation and policy affecting every American. Democrats have had a great deal of electoral success in Montana over the last decade. In 2012, Democrats built an unprecedented ground game to reelect Senator Jon Tester and elect Governor Steve Bullock.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen has a strong record of fighting for New Hampshire’s middle class and small businesses throughout her career, as the first woman to serve both as Governor and now as US Senator. Her bipartisan work on energy initiatives and her commitment to fiscal responsibility will make her a particularly strong candidate in a state like New Hampshire, which has trended Democratic in recent cycles.
The late Senator Frank Lautenberg was not only a great champion for progressive causes through all his years in the US Senate, he was also the last World War II veteran to serve in the US Senate. He will be deeply missed. Governor Chris Christie set the special election to fill Lautenberg’s seat for October 16, 2013. The primary will be August 13, 2013. Until the election, Christie will appoint an interim Senator to fill the seat.
Senator Tom Udall has spent his career fighting for New Mexico’s middle class and his record as a distinguished, principled leader will make it tough for Republicans to mount a challenge against him. Senator Udall won in 2008 with more than 60 percent of the vote, and New Mexico has become more reliably Democratic in recent years, electing a new Democratic Senator, Martin Heinrich, and overwhelmingly voting for President Obama in 2012.
Senator Kay Hagan defeated Senator Elizabeth Dole with 53% of the vote in 2008. Since then, Senator Hagan has been a fierce advocate for North Carolina families, our military and veterans, sound fiscal policy and quality education. Hailing from a proud military family, Senator Hagan fought to make sure that America’s service members and veterans never fall victim to the partisanship in Washington.
The first in his family to go to college, Senator Jeff Merkley has spent his entire career fighting for Oregon’s working families. Since defeating an incumbent Republican senator in 2008, Senator Merkley has become a leader in efforts to protect consumers, increase access to health care, and ensure Oregon’s economy is growing and creating good-paying jobs. Senator Merkley has also helped lead the effort to reform the filibuster and stop Republican obstructionism. Oregon has become increasingly Democratic and supported President Obama by double digits in both 2008 and again in 2012.
Senator Jack Reed is a strong voice for Rhode Island’s middle class families. A senior member of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee, Senator Reed helped author the Wall Street Reform bill, protecting consumers and helping families struggling from the housing crisis. An American hero, Senator Reed was reelected by 46 points in 2008 and President Obama carried the state in 2012 by almost 30 points.
Senator Tim Johnson recently announced his decision to retire from the Senate at the end of his term in 2014. Senator Johnson has been a strong advocate for South Dakotans and America’s farm families. Democrats and the DSCC are committed to holding Senator Johnson’s seat next year and will devote all of the resources necessary to elect a new Democratic senator in South Dakota. Recent polls have shown that Democrats are in a strong position. This is another state where a likely divisive Republican primary could force the eventual nominee to the far right.
After winning his seat by 31 points in 2008, Senator Mark Warner has delivered on his promise to work toward bipartisan solutions in the US Senate. Senator Warner has been a leader in the effort to build bipartisan consensus to reduce the federal debt and has also been a fighter for small businesses, veterans, and military men and women. Senator Warner is one of the most popular leaders in all of Virginia, where voters elected former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine to the Senate in 2012 and once again voted for President Obama.
After more than a generation as a strong, independent leader for West Virginia, Senator Jay Rockefeller announced he will retire from the Senate at the end of his term. The DSCC is confident we can elect an independent-minded Democrat to Senator Rockefeller’s seat. In 2012, West Virginia reelected Senator Joe Manchin by nearly 25 points and Democrats continue to maintain a nearly two to one voter registration advantage over Republicans in West Virginia.
