Cook Political Report Shifts Ratings for Three Senate Races

The Cook Political Report updated its forecasts for three U.S. Senate races, indicating a tightening of contests in traditionally Republican states amid a national climate the forecaster describes as difficult for Republicans.

In Mississippi, the race shifted from solid to likely Republican. In response, the Senate Majority PAC is spending $1.2 million on advertisements to support prosecutor Scott Colom and criticize incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The forecast for South Carolina also shifted from likely to lean Republican, where Democrat Annie Andrews is challenging incumbent Senator Darline Graham.

Conversely, the forecast for Minnesota moved from likely Democrat to lean Democrat. This shift follows a trend where Republican nominee Michelle Tafoya gained fundraising momentum over Democratic nominee and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan during the third quarter.