ANALYSIS – Just five months ago, Michigan Democrat Gary Peters was the only senator to have decided against reelection next year. Now there are seven open Senate seats, above the average for an election cycle, with potentially more departures to come.
North Carolina Republican Thom Tillis was the latest to join the ranks of retiring senators, with his recent decision not to seek a third term. His surprise announcement also highlighted an important lesson when following politicians’ plans: Things can change.
Tillis had kicked off his reelection campaign in December and had been raising money for another race until President Donald Trump threatened to back a primary challenger over his opposition to Republicans’ sweeping budget reconciliation bill.
