The Hidden Connection Between 8 Democratic Senators Who Ended the Shutdown
Eight Democratic senators broke with their party Sunday night to advance a deal reopening the federal government, ending a six-week stalemate over ACA tax credits. None of these senators face reelection in 2026, giving them political freedom to act.
Who They Are
- John Fetterman (D-Pa.)
- Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.)
- Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.)
- Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)
- Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)
- Tim Kaine (D-Va.)
- Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.)
- Angus King (I-Maine)
Reelection Timelines and Retirement Plans
- Durbin and Shaheen will not seek re-election in 2026.
- Fetterman, Hassan, and Cortez Masto face reelection in 2028.
- King, Kaine, and Rosen are up for reelection in 2030.
Voting Patterns During the Shutdown
Cortez Masto, Fetterman, and King consistently voted to reopen the government since the shutdown began in October. In contrast, Durbin, Hassan, Kaine, Rosen, and Shaheen had previously opposed the funding bill.
Leadership and Statements
Dick Durbin, the Senate Democratic whip and the only party leader to join Republicans in the vote, acknowledged the bill's imperfections but emphasized its importance:
“This bill is not perfect, but it takes important steps to reduce the shutdown’s hurt.”
He also called on Senate Republican Leader John Thune to fulfill his promise:
“Now that Democrats secured these wins, it’s time for Leader Thune to keep his promise to schedule a vote on the ACA tax credits in December.”
Summary
Free from imminent reelection pressures, these eight senators played a pivotal role in breaking the government shutdown by crossing party lines to advance crucial funding legislation.
Would you prefer the text to be formatted more formally or in a conversational tone?