Harris 2024 Shake-Up: House and Senate Impact

President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside and allow Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket has reshaped the presidential race, with significant impacts on the House and Senate elections. Both chambers of Congress are narrowly divided, with Republicans holding a slim majority in the House and Democrats barely controlling the Senate.

Simone Pathe, senior Washington editor for CNN Politics, emphasizes Harris’s impact on Senate races. Concerns about Biden dragging down-ballot races influenced his decision to step aside. Early signs suggest Harris may relieve some pressure, as a recent CNN poll shows her performing better than Biden among young, female, and Black voters.

Wisconsin Senator Tammy Baldwin, running for reelection, publicly endorsed Harris, unlike Senator Jon Tester of Montana, who remains cautious. Tester’s caution reflects varied political landscapes, with the GOP likely to label Harris a “California liberal” to appeal to conservatives.

In the House, most competitive districts are in traditionally blue states like New York and California. Crossover districts, where a representative’s party differs from the presidential preference, offer gains and losses for both parties. Control of the House will hinge on national dynamics, including the economy and emerging crises. Strong candidates with robust fundraising will be crucial.

The Senate races in Texas and Florida represent the Democrats’ offensive strategies, with Texas’s Colin Allred challenging GOP Senator Ted Cruz. Michigan’s open Senate seat, due to Debbie Stabenow’s retirement, might be a bellwether for national trends, likely contested by Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin and former House Intelligence Chairman Mike Rogers.

Harris’s substitution for Biden reshapes the electoral landscape, with significant implications for both the Senate and the House. The evolving political dynamics and candidates’ responses will be crucial in determining the outcomes in November.

Re-reported from the article originally published in CNN.