But the GOP will also be defending seats in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania, two states President Biden
Even in historically red states, the spate of retirements means that Republicans may have to contend with bruising primary fights that could weaken their standing ahead of competitive general elections.
“I think the more immediate question, in part because this will happen first is, what will happen in primaries and what candidates emerge from that?” veteran Republican strategist Doug Heye told The Hill.
The retirements also mark the latest sign of an ongoing shift in the GOP away from the traditional conservatism that has defined it for the past several decades. With seasoned Republican lawmakers stepping down, Trump loyalists are enthusiastically eyeing their seats as they look to solidify the former president’s ideological grip on the party.
ADVERTISEMENT
Several Republicans criticized Gensler s calls for more exhaustive disclosures about the climate-related risks publicly traded companies face, their political spending, and the diversity of their leadership. There s no doubt that Mr. Gensler knows a lot about the securities markets, said Sen. Pat Toomey But based on his record, I m concerned that he will stray from this sec tradition of bipartisanship by using the agency s regulatory powers to advance a liberal social agenda on issues such as climate change political spending and racial inequality.
Lummis, a Bitcoin advocate, said that while she too was concerned about Gensler s climate agenda, she supports his confirmation for his open-mindedness to cryptocurrencies and their role in financial innovation.
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed Rep. Marcia Fudge
Senators approved Fudge’s nomination to be HUD secretary on a 66-34 vote. She will be the first woman to hold the position since 1979 and the second Black woman and the third woman ever to lead the department.
“I can think of no one better to lead us out of this pandemic and create strong communities for the future than Marcia Fudge,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown
ADVERTISEMENT
“When she came before the [committee], Congresswoman Fudge’s knowledge and passion for service, her commitment to the people who make this country work were obvious to all of us, Republicans and Democrats alike,” Brown added.