Democrats eye key Senate races, as election deniers fuel midterm ballot fears

Democrats demonstrated unexpected strength in the 2022 midterm elections, successfully retaining control of the U.S. Senate and even expanding their majority. Against predictions of a "red wave" for Republicans, Democrats secured 51 seats to the Republicans' 49, with Vice President Kamala Harris holding the tie-breaking vote prior to the official gain. This outcome was solidified by key victories, including John Fetterman flipping a Republican-held seat in Pennsylvania, and Democratic incumbents like Mark Kelly in Arizona, Catherine Cortez Masto in Nevada, and Raphael Warnock in Georgia (following a runoff) successfully defending their seats.

Leading up to the midterms, widespread concerns persisted regarding election integrity, fueled by numerous candidates who questioned or denied the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election results. Approximately one-third of Republican candidates for key offices in 2022 had expressed such views.

However, voters largely rejected election denialism in many critical races. A significant number of these candidates, especially those vying for statewide positions with direct responsibility for election administration, ultimately lost their bids. Analysis suggests that candidates who denied the 2020 election results underperformed compared to other Republicans, particularly in battleground states, signaling a voter preference for candidates committed to traditional democratic norms and safeguarding elections.