Joe Manchin's Retirement Shakes Up Democrats' Senate Prospects

With Senator Joe Manchin III of West Virginia announcing that he will not seek re-election, Democrats face a narrow path to holding their slim Senate majority. West Virginia is now expected to flip Republican, making it difficult for Democrats to maintain their majority. While Republicans face messy primaries and a history of nominating extreme candidates, Democrats must win every race they are defending and rely on President Biden's popularity to secure the tiebreaking vote in a 50-50 Senate. Democrats are on defense in all seven of the most competitive seats, but incumbents running for re-election provide an advantage. The party will also focus on offensive strategies in Florida and Texas, although winning in those traditionally Republican states will be challenging.