With Marco Rubio’s exit from the Florida Senate race, analysts are abandoning the idea that Republicans had an advantage in the competition. As Rubio officially announced his presidential campaign, Cook Political Report, Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report andSabato’s Crystal Ball all moved the race from Republican advantage to tossup.
“The newly open Florida Senate seat complicates an already bleak 2016 map for Republicans,” said Sadie Weiner, DSCC National Press Secretary. “As Republicans stare down a potentially messy primary in their struggle to retain the seat, Democrats are confident that Floridians will elect a new Democratic Senator in 2016.”
Sabato’s Crystal Ball: Florida Senate Now A Tossup
“We had previously listed the GOP as slight favorites in case Rubio opted to seek reelection, but now it’s time to make a change. With Rubio’s announcement, we are moving the 2016 Florida Senate contest from Leans Republican to Toss-up.”
Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report: Open Florida Senate Seat Moves to Pure Tossup
“Without him, it’s difficult to give the GOP a distinguishable advantage. No Republican has won more than 50 percent of the vote in a Florida Senate race since Connie Mack’s re-election in 1994. We’re changing The Rothenberg & Gonzales Political Report/Roll Call rating of the Florida Senate race to Pure Tossup.”
Cook Political Report: Florida Senate Race Moves To A Tossup
“… an open seat in a swing state in a presidential year will be a much more competitive contest.”
