President-elect Donald Trump is poised to kick off his second term by sending the Senate an unconventional slate of nominees for powerful executive branch positions, seeing his 2024 victory as validation of a voter desire for disruption.
But how much disruption will America’s “cooling saucer” tolerate?
The Senate will be split 53-47 in favor of the Republicans next year, meaning they can lose no more than three votes to confirm nominees without requiring some bipartisan support. A 50-50 tie can be broken by Vice President-elect JD Vance. Here are the key senators to watch in the nomination battles. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine: The five-term centrist intends to run for re-election in 2026 after Trump lost her state by 7 points. Trump’s Cabinet picks present an opening for Collins to further demonstrate her independent streak if she chooses to vote against some of Trump’s more controversial picks. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska: The moderate has already shown a willingness to be outspoken on Trump’s Cabinet picks, dismissing Matt Gaetz as an unserious choice for attorney general before he withdrew from consideration. Murkowski is also a rare Republican who supports bringing back the abortion rights protections included in Roe v. Wade, which could play a role in health care-related positions. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.: McConnell is the ultimate free agent as he relinquishes the job of Senate Republican leader after a record 18 years. His quarrels and disagreements with Trump are well documented. As GOP leader, McConnell’s style was usually to read the political winds within his party and follow them. Now, he doesn’t have to. The Cabinet nominees could be an opportunity for him to flex his muscle and use his vote to shape Trump’s agenda. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.: Tillis faces re-election in 2026 after winning his first two elections by less than 2 points. He’ll need to balance appealing to a general electorate in a purple state with securing renomination from a GOP base that has shown a willingness to veer to the right. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.: Fetterman has also carved out a unique identity by breaking with his party's left — through his unrelenting support of Israel despite the civilian casualties caused by its military campaign in Gaza and his remark that Democrats “lost ourselves” when it came to key issues like immigration. In a party that’s currently doing some soul-searching, his voice could play a major role in that conversation for Democrats. Also on the list: Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.; Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La.; Sen.-elect John Curtis, R-Utah; and Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga. Read more from Sahil and Frank → | 