If a blue wave comes in November, Republicans are counting on the Senate to be their red firewall. “We could have a blue House, a red Senate, and a purple government headed into the next presidential election,” said Republican strategist Bruce Haynes.

Democrats are nevertheless starting to hope the midterm elections are so lopsided in their favor that even the Senate could be in play. “At this point, I wouldn’t rule it out,” said a Democratic strategist advising several candidates running this year.