Moderate Republicans can control congress now and it’s a big concern for multiple reasons.
As the new Senate convenes in January, Republicans may find themselves in an unfamiliar position of needing to work with moderate GOP senators, particularly Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, to advance their legislative agenda. With Donald Trump securing a return to the White House after winning 295 Electoral College votes, and the GOP retaking control of the Senate—bolstered by flipping key seats in Montana and Ohio—the Republican Party is set for a momentous new era. However, several Senate races remain undecided, meaning the balance of power could shift slightly.
Though the outcome of the House remains uncertain, it’s likely that whichever party takes control will do so with a razor-thin majority, making bipartisan cooperation crucial. Collins and Murkowski, known for their moderate stances, are expected to play pivotal roles in shaping the next phase of GOP governance. Their influence in the Senate will echo their past willingness to break with their party, especially on social issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights. This has made them outliers within the Republican caucus, and their votes could be decisive in passing legislation. With the Senate needing 60 votes to clear most legislation, Republicans will need support from their moderate wing, including Collins and Murkowski, in addition to a few centrist Democrats.
As experts suggest, the upcoming Senate makeup will likely require Republicans to make strategic decisions on policy priorities. Political analysts, including Tammy Vigil from Boston University, note that Collins and Murkowski could temper more extreme positions within the GOP, similar to the moderating role played by Senators Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema on the Democrat side. “Their influence could prevent the party from drifting too far to the right, but they’re unlikely to halt the GOP’s broader objectives entirely,” Vigil said.
On key issues like the economy and border security, Republicans must avoid overreach, especially on contentious topics. Collins and Murkowski have shown they will back conservative measures if they align with their more centrist views, as long as proposals do not become overly punitive or harmful to vulnerable populations. However, when it comes to Trump’s nominees, their willingness to vote against his selections remains a real possibility, as seen in their opposition to his 2017 education secretary pick, Betsy DeVos.
Despite their pivotal role, Collins and Murkowski are not alone in their critical stance toward Trump. Senators like Todd Young of Indiana and Bill Cassidy of Louisiana have similarly distanced themselves from the former president. Moreover, GOP Senator-elect John Curtis of Utah, a moderate focused on climate policy, may also serve as a check on Trump’s influence within the party.
Collins is set for reelection in 2026, and despite her consistent victories in Maine, a state that leans Democratic, her 2020 performance was weaker than in previous years. As the Democratic Party targets her seat, she may find herself facing increased pressure from both sides of the political spectrum.
Ultimately, the Republican Party faces a challenging road ahead, with a need for unity tempered by moderation. The upcoming legislative battles will hinge not only on party unity but also on how much room the GOP is willing to give its more moderate members, particularly Collins and Murkowski, in shaping a sustainable agenda that appeals to a broad base of voters.