Sam Gordon wrote:

To me, Joe Manchin’s power is the most important thing at stake for the runoff. If Warnock wins, it would immensely limit his ability to almost single-handily dictate senate policy. Of course, with a Republican house it’s going to be difficult to accomplish broad sweeping progressive policy. But, I have hope that some climate policy or voting rights can now be accomplished with 51 democratic senators.

William Karr wrote: 

In the 117th U.S. Congress, Vice President Kamala Harris, in her capacity as President of the Senate, has cast twenty-six tie-breaking votes, which makes her six votes shy of surpassing the all-time record of thirty-one tie-breaking votes, which was set by Vice President John Calhoun, who served from 1825 to 1832. 

If Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock is defeated by Republican Hershel Walker, the U.S. Senate will continue to be equally divided, and Harris will have a better chance of surpassing Calhoun’s record. 

Avi Shah wrote: 

A lot is at stake tonight. Currently, the balance in the Senate has 50 Democratic senators and 49 Republican senators. With a Democratic vice president who breaks the tie in favor of the Democrats, the Democrats are guaranteed to have the majority. However, having an extra senator, which they can do if Raphael Warnock beats Herschel Walker, it allows them to pass more progressive policies without the help of common holdouts like Joe Manchin and Kirsten Sinema.

Reagan Subeck wrote: 

Democracy is at stake tonight. As we saw on January 6th, a strong populist opinion which may be fueled by a political split can lead to the harming of voter integrity. Such a political split may be caused by an even split Senate or provided more power with such. Voter integrity is key to a democratic society, that is what is key.

Skye Warner wrote: 

Control of the Supreme Court! Justice Sotomayor (68 years old) might retire soon, and if she was replaced with a 7th Republican Justice then things like gay rights, birth control, gun rights and voter protection could be completely overturned with something worse than a supermajority. If Democrats have the majority and are able to confirm a Democratic Justice, then we wouldn’t dig ourselves further into this hole. However, with a 7-2 majority, it’s inevitable that rights will be lost for minorities across the nation.