As justifiably alarmed as Democrats are by President-elect Donald Trump’s radical agenda and his nominations of unqualified candidates for Cabinet positions, these actions may be even more terrifying for Republican senators up for reelection in 2026. Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina will be two of the most hotly contested races. Meanwhile, Daines, Rounds and other Republican senators from farming states will have to decide whether to remain mute when across-the-board tariffs drive up farm bankruptcies and destroy the rural economy. If they choose the latter, they certainly face the potential for a primary challenge from a MAGA Republican. Sometimes, Democrats may block the most harmful legislation; more often, the goal will be to make vulnerable senators pay a significant political price for complying with dangerous MAGA policies.
