Utah Senate Race Could Change Senate Equation

The tightening Senate race between incumbent Republican Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and Independent Evan McMullin could change the midterm equation.

• A debate will take place this evening at 20:00 ET 01:00 BST: https://utahdebatecommission.org/live-feed/
• Polls show the reliably Republican race currently within the polling margin of error, with Democrats and independents showing an increased willingness to support McMullin.
• McMullin has stated that he will not caucus with either the Republican or Democrat party but it is unclear if he will maintain this position.
• If McMullin wins and neither Democrats or Republicans gain seats elsewhere, then McMullin will be in a position to determine control of the Senate.
• Richard Davis at Brigham Young University said McMullin could be in an "extremely powerful situation," saying that "he’s in the catbird seat because as an Independent both sides are going to want to give him something” to get his vote for determining the Senate majority..."
• Lee believes that McMullin would caucus with Democrat, should he win: “Evan McMullin is raising millions of dollars off Act Blue, the Democratic donor database based on this idea that he’s going to defeat me and help perpetuate the Democratic majority.”