House lawmakers eye Senate runs in 2024 for greater congressional influence
Lawmakers in the House Eye Senate Seats for Greater Influence
As the battle for control of the Senate heats up, several lawmakers in the House are making a bold move to trade their seats in the lower chamber for more legislative power.
Currently, at least 12 lawmakers have announced their decision to forgo reelection in the House and instead run for a Senate seat in November. This marks the largest group of retirements of this kind since the 2014 midterm elections. Of the 12, nine are Democrats and three are Republicans.
There are several competitive Senate races that present opportunities for Republicans to gain control of the upper chamber, particularly in Michigan and West Virginia. The latter is seen as the GOP’s best chance to secure victory after incumbent Senator Joe Manchin decided not to run for reelection. This shift has moved the seat from a toss-up to “Solid Republican,” according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Greater Influence and a Bigger Platform
One of the main reasons lawmakers are eyeing Senate seats is the increased influence and platform it offers. In the Senate, they have the power to confirm or reject the president’s nominees to Cabinet positions, a privilege not available in the House of Representatives. Additionally, the Senate holds significant sway over the court system, with the ability to accept or reject the president’s judicial nominations.
Representative Alex Mooney, who has served in the House since 2015, expressed his desire for a Senate seat, stating, “In the Senate, you just have a bigger platform.” He emphasized the importance of confirming conservative judges and rejecting left-wing activist judges.
Representative John Curtis, who announced he would not seek reelection in the House, highlighted the influence senators have and the opportunity to take their work to a different level. He mentioned that legislation often originates in the Senate and by the time it reaches the House, it’s a simple thumbs up or thumbs down decision.
Running on Experience and Achievements
While many Senate candidates come from outside Congress, serving in the House gives them a record to run on. Mooney emphasized his strong conservative voting record, stating, “I just point to my actual proven conservative voting record.” Curtis, on the other hand, highlighted his ability to move the needle on various issues and stated, “I do think it is an advantage.”
Other House lawmakers, such as Representative Adam Schiff, are using their time in the House to raise their national profile. Schiff, known for leading the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump, is eyeing the Senate seat in California previously held by Senator Dianne Feinstein. He aims to continue fighting for the rights and democracy of the people.
While House members have institutional support and a platform to run on, they also face challenges in balancing their legislative duties with campaigning. The competing priorities can complicate schedules, requiring lawmakers to make sacrifices and commit to a demanding 24/7 campaign schedule.
The 2024 election cycle will see 34 Senate seats up for grabs. Democrats must defend 23 of these seats, compared to just 11 for Republicans. The majority of competitive seats are currently held by Democrats, putting them on the defensive as they strive to maintain their slim majority.
With Democrats currently holding a 51-49 edge in the Senate, Republicans only need to flip one seat to gain the majority if they win the White House in 2024. If they fail to regain the Oval Office, they will need to secure two additional Senate seats.
How does the potential for more media attention and a larger platform influence lawmakers’ decisions to run for a Senate seat instead of staying in the House
House, believes that running for a Senate seat will allow him to have a greater influence on national policy. He stated, ”I think I can have a bigger impact in the Senate, particularly when it comes to issues like healthcare and the economy.”
Furthermore, lawmakers are also drawn to the Senate because it offers more stability and longevity. Senators serve six-year terms, compared to representatives who serve two-year terms. This means that Senators have more time to build relationships, establish themselves on committees, and pursue their legislative agenda. By seeking a Senate seat, lawmakers hope to have a longer tenure in Congress and make a lasting impact on national policies.
In addition to the advantages of increased influence and longevity, running for a Senate seat also brings the opportunity for more media attention and a larger platform. Senate races often receive more media coverage than House races, especially in competitive states. This allows candidates to communicate their message to a larger audience and engage with voters on a national level.
Moreover, the road to the Senate is not always easy for House members. Senate campaigns are typically more expensive and demanding than House campaigns, requiring a larger financial and organizational infrastructure. However, the potential rewards of increased influence and a bigger platform often outweigh the challenges.
It is evident that lawmakers in the House are eyeing Senate seats to secure greater influence and a larger platform for their legislative goals. As the battle for control of the Senate intensifies, more lawmakers may decide to follow suit and trade their House seats for the potential impact of a Senate position. This trend could have significant implications for the balance of power and policymaking in the United States.
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