The Senate is split 50/50, with Kamala Harris serving as the tie-breaking vote.
This means every vote matters, especially for the Democrats.
And one Senator just made an announcement that could cost Chuck Schumer his majority.
On Monday, South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham announced that, despite being vaccinated, he tested positive for the coronavirus and would go into quarantine for ten days.
Graham also said his symptoms were mild, which he attributes to being fully vaccinated.
I was just informed by the House physician I have tested positive for #COVID19 even after being vaccinated.
I started having flu-like symptoms Saturday night and went to the doctor this morning.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) August 2, 2021
Of course, Graham being out of the Senate for ten days won’t change the balance of power in the Senate.
However, Graham’s ten-day quarantine only shows how fragile Chuck Schumer’s majority really is.
Should a Democrat Senator test positive for coronavirus and go into quarantine, Republicans would hold a 50-49 majority during that time frame, guaranteeing Biden’s legislative agenda and his nominations would be stalled for at least ten days.
Right now, Graham is expected to make a full recovery.
And so far, no Senate Democrats have tested positive for coronavirus.
But there’s no doubt that this is something that keeps Chuck Schumer up at night.
Political Animal News will keep you up-to-date on any new developments in this ongoing story.