Senate Transportation Leaders in Competitive Races
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Senior members of the Senate panel on freight policy have found themselves in competitive contests this fall as the parties vie for control of the chamber.
With less than two weeks until Election Day, political observers continue to argue Democrats’ path to defending their majority in the upper chamber remains challenging.
Democrats hold a two-seat majority: 51-49. West Virginia is very likely to be won by Republicans come November following Sen. Joe Manchin’s retirement announcement. Two competitive Senate seats held by Democrats in Ohio and Montana are in states that are primarily leaning Republican.
While the Senate road map is mostly favorable to Republicans, Democrats in Texas have mounted an offensive to unseat incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).
Cruz vs. Allred
Cruz, ranking member of the Commerce Committee on freight policy, has been central in the consideration of nominees for agencies at the U.S. Department of Transportation and the independent National Transportation Safety Board. His leadership on the committee also has been marked by in-depth examinations of national aviation and freight rail safety concerns.
Cruz took on the role of chief critic of Biden administration policies specific to electric vehicles and the adoption of alternative fuels. Although the Texas Republican did not support 2021’s bipartisan infrastructure law, he has championed safety and freight connectivity programs for the nation’s mobility networks.
U.S. presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.
The one-time political rival of former President Donald Trump has been calling on voters to support the Trump-J.D. Vance ticket this cycle. In doing so, he has repeatedly criticized President Joe Biden’s record on immigration as well as national security.
A member of the House since 2019, Rep. Colin Allred (D-Texas) sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he has expressed support for ensuring efficiency along commercial supply chains. The former NFL player worked in the Department of Housing and Urban Development during the Obama administration. He elevated democracy and reproductive rights as top issues for his campaign. In Ballotpedia’s survey presented to candidates, the congressman responded, “As a voting rights attorney, I believe that voting rights and issues of our democracy are foundational to all other freedoms — whether that is the freedom to vote, the freedom to access an abortion or the freedom to live free from discrimination.” Allred has opened a significant fundraising margin as Cruz continues to enjoy a narrow lead over the challenger. The incumbent is demonstrating the capabilities for keeping his seat as forecasters rate the contest in his favor. The Cook Political Report categorized the contest as “lean” Republican.
Tester vs. Sheehy
Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), a member of the Commerce Committee and chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, has championed legislation designed to connect veterans with the trucking workforce. His advocacy of Biden-era laws, such as the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has showcased his ability to arrive at bipartisanship in a polarized Washington.
Tester and Sheehy
In a presidential year, however, Tester is facing an enthusiastic electorate. Most polls show him running for re-election as an underdog as his Republican opponent, former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy, appears to have gained momentum.
There has been national buzz around the Montana contest. The race has been a GOP priority with Sheehy applauded for running a campaign that has consolidated the GOP vote. Both parties have spent millions of dollars on negative attacks. Although national observers tout Republicans’ strategy in Big Sky Country, Tester continues to demonstrate his work ethic. The Cook Political Report categorized the contest as “lean” Republican.
Fischer vs. Osborn
Fischer and Osborn
A surprising Senate contest is unfolding in Nebraska. Incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) has had to defend against a formidable challenge from independent candidate Dan Osborn. Fischer has long championed commercial transportation policies. A supporter of the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, she recently led the passage of the Veteran Improvement Commercial Driver License Act. The law ensures certain veterans’ benefits are approved without delay at commercial driving schools. Reacting to its enactment, she said: “I’m grateful my bill enabling veterans to get CDL licenses more easily was signed into law.” American Trucking Associations was among stakeholders that praised the law. Leading political observers argue that Osborn’s background as a blue-collar factory worker is transcending traditional party lines and leading to connections with the electorate. The Cook Political Report categorized the contest as “lean” Republican.
House
Republicans hold the majority in the chamber with 220 seats to 212 for the Democrats. But all 435 seats are up for grabs, and Democrats seem to be holding the advantage. Republican control appears to be fading primarily because of electoral dynamics favoring Democrats in states like California and New York. Nearly 30 House seats are classified as toss-ups, according to leading analysts and forecasters. Political strategists, such as Karl Rove, have argued House Republicans’ high-profile leadership debates during this session of Congress were unhelpful. “I think that damaged some of these Republican candidates in their home districts,” Rove said at an ATA conference this month.
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