The 2016 election map, a veritable reverse of fortunes for the Republican Party, shows a downhill advantage for Senate Democrats as they plot a strategy to retake control of the upper house.
Among the 34 Senate seats up for re-election or open, 24 of them are currently held by Republicans, a fact that has party leaders on edge ahead of the Labor Day opening gun.
The GOP is looking for every opportunity to balance the scales in hopes that a few key pick-ups will offer a chance to maintain a majority.
One of those chances is Rep. Joe Heck who has announced his bid for Sen. Harry Reid’s Nevada seat, which will open up after his retirement next year.
And his victory may hinge his uncanny ability to win over Latino voters. With Latinos making up 20% of the state’s electorate, Heck’s popularity among the key voter bloc could neutralize the Democrat’s historic advantage and tip the scales in favor of the GOP.
