2010 United States Senate elections

The 2010 United States Senate elections were elections to 2 of the 6 seats in the United States Senate on November 2, 2010, held concurrently with the elections to the United States House of Representatives. These were the midterm elections of John Major's first term.

Two seats are up for election - Sequoia and Bluegrass. Both had interim appointees due to the resignations of Major (to take office as President) and Jeff Meeks (in retaliation to the Republicans, his party which he left shortly after). The Senators up for election are, thus, Owen Baker of Sequoia and George W. Bush of Bluegrass. Due to this, it is impossible for the Republicans to gain a majority with this election alone, as winning both elections would leave them with 2 seats to the 4 Democrats.

At one point, it was reported that three New Democratic Senators were planning a revolt against the leadership of Jacinda Ardern, the leader for almost a decade. However, the press conference in which this would happen was cancelled last-minute.

Additionally, these elections were held amidst an ongoing recession. The Democratic administrations of Elizabeth Harris and Major were criticized heavily for this, and it is likely that the Republicans may benefit from this.

Sequoia
This race is not expected to be heavily competitive, however the Democratic nominee and incumbent Senator, Owen Baker, is considered a rising star in the party, and his appointment to the Senate after the Major resignation only furthered such a possibility. He has stated he will run for a full term. Kimble Hookstraten is the Republican challenger.

New Democratic primary

 * Owen Baker, incumbent

Republican primary

 * Kimble Hookstraten, activist

Bluegrass
After the resignation of Jeff Meeks, appointee George W. Bush made clear that he would remain in the race for U.S. House. The Republicans have a primary between Edric Blight, a former Governor, and Michael Schultz, a U.S. Representative and 2000 Republican presidential nominee. The Democrats have nominated activist John Cream.

Republican primary

 * Michael Schultz, U.S. Representative (2009–present), 2000 Republican presidential nominee
 * Edric Blight, former Governor of Bluegrass (1993–1997)

New Democratic primary

 * John Cream, activist