Mr. Bennet, a Colorado Democrat, held off an unexpectedly strong challenge from Joe O’Dea, a Republican making his first run for public office.
-
Send any friend a story
As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Anyone can read what you share.
Give this articleGive this articleGive this article
Senator Michael Bennet at the Capitol in 2021.
Senator Michael Bennet, Democrat of Colorado, was elected to a third full term on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press, holding off a surprisingly strong challenge from Joe O’Dea, a Republican political newcomer.
Mr. Bennet, 57, who was first appointed to an open seat in 2009, emphasized his work on expanding the child tax credit, tackling immigration issues and securing federal aid for state priorities like the Colorado River and the preservation of open lands.
With 54 percent of the votes reported, Mr. Bennet had 56 percent to Mr. O’Dea’s 41.6 percent, the A.P. said.
Mr. Bennet had come under attack during the campaign from Mr. O’Dea, the owner of a Denver construction company that specializes in large public works projects, for being a dependable vote for President Biden’s agenda. In their two Senate debates, Mr. O’Dea called Mr. Bennet ineffective and partisan, prompting Mr. Bennet to accuse his opponent of lies.
In a cycle in which Republicans fielded many candidates who leaned to the right and also aligned themselves with former President Donald J. Trump, Mr. O’Dea positioned himself as a more centrist Republican. He has broken with Mr. Trump and expressed support for gay rights and some access to abortion, seeking to win over independents, who make up the largest voting bloc in the state. He won the Republican primary despite efforts by Democratic groups to boost more conservative contenders in an effort to smooth the way for Mr. Bennet.
But Mr. O’Dea was significantly outspent by Mr. Bennet on television. National Republican groups never invested the large financial resources necessary to secure a Senate win in a western state that has become increasingly Democratic. Mr. O’Dea’s positions on abortion and Mr. Trump also cost him support among more conservative Republicans.
In winning a third term, Mr. Bennet could see his influence increase as a senior member of the Finance and Agriculture committees. He entered the 2020 presidential primary but quickly dropped out when he made little headway.
Source: nytimes.com
