Sinema Won't Seek Re-election, Increasing Odds of Filibuster Reform
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Sen. Kyrsten Sinema's decision not to seek reelection removes a major defender of the filibuster and increases the chances of Senate Democrats attempting to eliminate it if they keep control after the 2022 midterms.
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Sinema and Sen. Joe Manchin had blocked efforts by Democrats to weaken the 60-vote threshold to pass voting rights and abortion legislation.
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Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell praised Sinema for "saving" the filibuster during her time in office.
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If Democrats win enough Senate seats in November to have 50 votes, they could have the votes to change filibuster rules without Sinema.
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Moderate Democratic senators like Jon Tester still oppose fully eliminating the filibuster, so Democrats' path forward on changing rules remains uncertain.