This article originally appeared on BIPAC's blog. Written by BIPAC Political Analyst Jim Ellis.
Senate
Though national radio talk show host Laura Ingraham, who was a strong Donald Trump supporter in the recent past election, resides in Washington, DC, she is now being mentioned as a possible challenger to Virginia Senator and former Vice Presidential nominee Tim Kaine (D) in 2018. She would certainly have plenty of time to establish residency in Virginia - her offices are in Arlington, VA, for example - and she now confirming at least a passing interest in making the jump into elective politics. It is much too early to suggest that she will be a candidate, but it is unlikely the Republicans will give Sen. Kaine a free ride in the next election whether or not Ingraham decides to run.
It has largely been assumed that the Senate's most elderly member, California's 83-year-old Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D), would not seek re-election in 2018 but such may not be the case.
According to an interview the Senator conducted this past week with a California radio station, Ms. Feinstein confirmed she is actually leaning toward running again. The veteran Senator says she still believes her work is effective, hence giving her reason to run for an additional term despite being over 90 when her next term would end. The comments, however, could also be made to avoid lame duck status for as long as possible. Therefore, Sen. Feinstein now becomes a person to watch.
House
Two of the upcoming special elections will be scheduled by sometime next week at the latest. California Rep. Xavier Becerra (D-Los Angeles) was confirmed as the state's new Attorney General, and he immediately resigned from Congress to accept the position.
Though 18 candidates have already announced their candidacies for the special election (15 Democrats, two Republicans, and one Green), Gov. Jerry Brown (D) will now officially schedule the special election to fill the vacancy. Under California election law, the contest must occur between 126 and 140 days after the official call. A likely potential date for the special general is June 6th, which is commensurate with a normal California primary date.
The Golden State special will feature all candidates on one ballot in the first election, which will likely be sometime in April. If no one obtains majority support, almost a certainty in a race featuring such a large field of candidates, the top two finishers, regardless of political party affiliation, will run-off in the June election.
Former Kansas Rep. Mike Pompeo's (R-Wichita) confirmation as CIA Director resulted in his immediate resignation from the House. Gov. Sam Brownback (R) must call the election within five days, and set the vote between 45 and 60 days from his declaration. Therefore, this special election will conclude quickly, being completed by the end of March. Republican and Democratic Party leaders will meet in local convention to choose their nominees. The voters will then go to the polls only one time. The eventual Republican nominee will be favored to hold the seat.
It appears the Montana Democrats may have lost their strongest candidate in the upcoming special election to replace Rep. Ryan Zinke (R-Whitefish), once he is confirmed as Interior Secretary. It was expected that former two-term Montana School Superintendent and 2016 congressional nominee Denise Juneau (D) would enter the special election, but she will not. Ms. Juneau just announced that she will forego the opportunity of again becoming a congressional candidate. The two parties will meet in convention to nominate their respective special election contender. Republican gubernatorial nominee Greg Gianforte is favored to win the GOP nomination. Democrats will now most likely look toward state Rep. Amanda Curtis, the 2014 US Senate nominee.
Governor
South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley (R) was confirmed as the new United States Ambassador to the United Nations, and she immediately resigned her gubernatorial position. Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster (R) now becomes Governor and will be expected to run for a full term in 2018.