Cook Political Report shifts forecast for two Senate races toward GOP

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report on Friday shifted its forecasts for two Senate races to the right.

Cook moved the race to replace retiring North Carolina Sen. Richard Burr (R) from “toss-up” to “likely Republican,” while the Senate race in Colorado went from “solid Democrat” to “likely Democrat.”

Inn North Carolina, three people are competing in a hotly contested GOP primary.

Rep. Ted Budd, who has the endorsement of former President Trump, and former Gov. Pat McCrory are in a tight battle as favorites for the position. Former Rep. Mark Walker also remains in the race.

Former state Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley is likely to win the Democratic nomination to run for the Senate seat.

In Colorado, incumbent ​​Sen. Michael Bennet (D) is running for his third term in office. Multiple Republicans are running in a primary for the chance to challenge him. 

Former El Paso County Republican official Eli Bremer has been the most successful at raising funds for his primary campaign. 

The switch in Cook’s ratings highlight what will almost certainly be a tough midterm year for the Democratic Party.