WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Senator Rick Scott, a Republican from Florida, is aiming for reelection to secure a second term that could potentially elevate him to a leadership position within the Senate. In contrast, former Democratic Congresswoman Debbie Mucarsel-Powell is working to create an upset that may aid her party in holding onto the narrow control of the Senate.

Scott has expressed ambition to succeed Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is stepping aside from his role as the GOP leader. A victory for Scott would also demonstrate the Republican Party’s continued dominance in Florida, even in the face of ballot measures concerning abortion rights and the legalization of recreational marijuana which Democrats believe will boost voter turnout.

Mucarsel-Powell is making her comeback in a political landscape where two years ago, Democrats suffered a significant defeat, losing all five statewide seats up for grabs amid strong Republican momentum. She first gained a congressional seat in 2018 by representing a Miami district, making history as the first Ecuadorian American and South American-born member of Congress. However, she was defeated in her bid for reelection by Republican Carlos Gimenez in 2020.

Scott holds a considerable advantage in fundraising, leveraging millions from his own wealth within a state that has become increasingly Republican. While the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee maintains that Scott is susceptible to defeat, national Democrats have been slow to commit resources to Florida, which is recognized as one of the most costly states for campaign advertising.

In his previous Senate run, Scott was forced into a recount, contrasting with current conditions where Republicans surpass Democrats in voter registration by approximately one million. His initial victory was also overshadowed by a wider trend of Republican successes, including Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Marco Rubio winning decisively just two years prior.

Mucarsel-Powell is banking on the support of Vice President Kamala Harris to galvanize voters alongside other Democrats on the ballot.

Adding to Scott’s challenge are some setbacks in his political record, including his inability to secure a GOP majority two years back while leading the National Republican Senatorial Committee. Additionally, he faced criticism from both sides of the political aisle after a failed attempt to oust McConnell from his leadership position, which ended in a hefty 37-10 vote against him. Furthermore, his controversial proposal to sunset federal programs every five years, which initially excluded widely popular entitlement programs like Medicare and Social Security, drew national ire.

Throughout this campaign, Scott has consistently emphasized his message focused on the economy and the rising costs of living under President Joe Biden’s leadership. He has also spent a significant amount of time supporting former President Donald Trump on the campaign trail, although it took him nearly a year to endorse Trump after the latter announced his presidential bid.