© Stefani Reynolds
Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer
Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerSenate confirms Trump judicial nominee criticized for being hostile to LGBT community Senate confirms Trump judicial nominee criticized for being hostile to LGBT community Democrats detail new strategy to pressure McConnell on election security bills MORE (D-N.Y.) played defense Wednesday, saying Democrats had a "really good night" and warning Republicans to not feel confident heading into 2020.
Charles (Chuck) Ellis SchumerSenate confirms Trump judicial nominee criticized for being hostile to LGBT community Senate confirms Trump judicial nominee criticized for being hostile to LGBT community Democrats detail new strategy to pressure McConnell on election security bills MORE (D-N.Y.) played defense Wednesday, saying Democrats had a "really good night" and warning Republicans to not feel confident heading into 2020. "Last night was a really good night for Democrats and what happened last night doesn't bode well for President Trump
Donald John TrumpBooker hits Biden's defense of remarks about segregationist senators: 'He's better than this' Booker hits Biden's defense of remarks about segregationist senators: 'He's better than this' Trump says Democrats are handing out subpoenas 'like they're cookies' MORE and Republicans in 2020 and beyond," Schumer told reporters.
Donald John TrumpBooker hits Biden's defense of remarks about segregationist senators: 'He's better than this' Booker hits Biden's defense of remarks about segregationist senators: 'He's better than this' Trump says Democrats are handing out subpoenas 'like they're cookies' MORE and Republicans in 2020 and beyond," Schumer told reporters. ADVERTISEMENT
Schumer pointed to Democrats taking over control of the House — calling the victory "far and away the most significant change" and "great news for America" — as well as highlighting the Democratic gubernatorial wins and state legislatures.
"Republicans lost women, minorities and suburban voters across the country in such margins that it should worry every Republican candidate in 2020 and President Trump," Schumer added.
Though Democrats made gains in the House and were able to unseat Sen. Dean Heller
Dean Arthur HellerThis week: Barr back in hot seat over Mueller report Trump suggests Heller lost reelection bid because he was 'hostile' during 2016 presidential campaign Trump picks ex-oil lobbyist David Bernhardt for Interior secretary MORE (R-Nev.), Senate Republicans took down three Democrats: Sens. Claire McCaskill
Claire Conner McCaskillConservatives spark threat of bloody GOP primaries Congress needs to work to combat the poverty, abuse and neglect issues that children face Lobbying world MORE (Mo.), Joe Donnelly
Joseph (Joe) Simon DonnellyConservatives spark threat of bloody GOP primaries Anti-corruption group hits Congress for ignoring K Street, Capitol Hill 'revolving door' K Street giants scoop up coveted ex-lawmakers MORE (Ind.) and Heidi Heitkamp
Mary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampLobbying World Pro-trade group targets Democratic leadership in push for new NAFTA On The Money: Stocks sink on Trump tariff threat | GOP caught off guard by new trade turmoil | Federal deficit grew 38 percent this fiscal year | Banks avoid taking position in Trump, Dem subpoena fight MORE (N.D.). A fourth, Sen. Bill Nelson
Clarence (Bill) William NelsonPoll: Six Democrats lead Trump in Florida match-ups Poll: Six Democrats lead Trump in Florida match-ups How Jim Bridenstine recruited an old enemy to advise NASA MORE (D-Fla.), is headed toward a recount.
Dean Arthur HellerThis week: Barr back in hot seat over Mueller report Trump suggests Heller lost reelection bid because he was 'hostile' during 2016 presidential campaign Trump picks ex-oil lobbyist David Bernhardt for Interior secretary MORE (R-Nev.), Senate Republicans took down three Democrats: Sens. Claire McCaskillClaire Conner McCaskillConservatives spark threat of bloody GOP primaries Congress needs to work to combat the poverty, abuse and neglect issues that children face Lobbying world MORE (Mo.), Joe DonnellyJoseph (Joe) Simon DonnellyConservatives spark threat of bloody GOP primaries Anti-corruption group hits Congress for ignoring K Street, Capitol Hill 'revolving door' K Street giants scoop up coveted ex-lawmakers MORE (Ind.) and Heidi HeitkampMary (Heidi) Kathryn HeitkampLobbying World Pro-trade group targets Democratic leadership in push for new NAFTA On The Money: Stocks sink on Trump tariff threat | GOP caught off guard by new trade turmoil | Federal deficit grew 38 percent this fiscal year | Banks avoid taking position in Trump, Dem subpoena fight MORE (N.D.). A fourth, Sen. Bill NelsonClarence (Bill) William NelsonPoll: Six Democrats lead Trump in Florida match-ups Poll: Six Democrats lead Trump in Florida match-ups How Jim Bridenstine recruited an old enemy to advise NASA MORE (D-Fla.), is headed toward a recount. But Schumer countered that Trump's narrative that Tuesday night was a "tremendous success" for Republicans was "delusional."
Democrats went into 2018 with a deeply unfavorable map. They had to defend more than two dozen Senate seats, with 10 of those in states Trump won in 2016.
Schumer, on Wednesday, argued that "given the map" Democrats did better than some predicted and added that he believed Democrats were facing better odds in 2020.
"We'll have a very good shot in 2020. ... In 2020 our map is better, in 2022 our map is even better, still," Schumer said.
They face a more favorable map in 2020. Democrats will have to defend 12 seats, while Republicans will be defending 21. Democrats have one senator who is already considered vulnerable — Alabama Sen. Doug Jones (D).
Republicans are expected to have anywhere from a 51 to a 54 seat majority in 2019 depending on the outcomes in Florida, Arizona and the Mississippi runoff election that is scheduled for later this month.
In addition to Nelson's race, senators are still waiting to find out the outcome of the Arizona Senate race, which has not yet been called. Reps. Martha McSally
Martha Elizabeth McSallyGOP frets about Trump's poll numbers GOP frets about Trump's poll numbers Democrats' 2020 Achilles's heel: The Senate MORE (R-Ariz.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) are battling to succeed retiring Sen. Jeff Flake
Jeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeDemocrats needle GOP on standing up to Trump Democrats needle GOP on standing up to Trump Amash gets standing ovation at first town hall after calling for Trump's impeachment MORE (R-Ariz.).
Martha Elizabeth McSallyGOP frets about Trump's poll numbers GOP frets about Trump's poll numbers Democrats' 2020 Achilles's heel: The Senate MORE (R-Ariz.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.) are battling to succeed retiring Sen. Jeff FlakeJeffrey (Jeff) Lane FlakeDemocrats needle GOP on standing up to Trump Democrats needle GOP on standing up to Trump Amash gets standing ovation at first town hall after calling for Trump's impeachment MORE (R-Ariz.). If Republicans sweep each of the three races that would mean Democrats would have to pick up four Senate seats and win back the White House or five seats to win control outright.
