Just days before the Nov. 3 general election, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says the Democrats have a good shot at regaining control of the chamber.
During a campaign stop in Kentucky on Wednesday, McConnell said, “It’s a 50-50 proposition. We have a lot of exposure. This is a huge Republican class.”
“There are dogfights all over the country,” he added.
Republicans currently have a 53-47 seat majority, which means Democrats would have to pick up three seats and win the White House to gain control of the upper chamber.
However, Republicans are looking to unseat incumbent Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.), which would give them an extra seat in the Senate.
Still, around the country, Republican incumbents are facing tough re-election bids. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report currently rates seven Republican-held seats as toss-up races, and two as “Lean Democrat.”
Meanwhile, the Cook Political Report rates Jones’ race as “Lean Republican.”
Democrats have outraised their Republican competitors in historically deep-red states such as South Carolina, Arizona, and North Carolina.
McConnell has signaled that this year would be a tough battle for Republicans as they defend 23 seats while Democrats are only defending 12.
Republicans have controlled the Senate since 2014.
“If you look at the Democratic Party today, you ought to be frightened,” he said, adding, “We’re fighting for our way of life.”
As for his own re-election bid in Kentucky, McConnell said he feels confident he will come out victorious.
