#Mitch McConnell says keeping Senate in Republican control could be ‘tough’

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he feels “optimistic” that Republicans will be able to hold on to the Senate come November — but warned it was going to be “tough.”

McConnell (R-Ky.) offered his take on where things stood for the GOP ahead of the election during an appearance on Fox News’ “Bill Hemmer Reports” Tuesday, after being asked if his party could keep Senate control.

“Yeah, we can, but this was always going to be a tough cycle for us. This is a big class of incumbents because we took the majority six years ago,” the Kentucky Republican said.

Senators serve for six year terms. All those who helped return majority control to the Republican party in 2014 — the last midterm election under President Obama — are up for reelection this cycle.

“So we have a lot of incumbents, a lot of exposure, around the country. Everyone of these races, about eight of them, are like a knife fight in an alley. They’re tough challenges,” McConnell continued.

Republicans are defending 23 seats in the Senate, while Democrats are defending 12. The difference in number of races, as well as the number of swing states where the GOP face numerous Democratic challenges, leave Republicans with an uphill battle.

Asked what he thought the Republicans’ odds were in the battle for the Senate, McConnell maintained some hope.

“What I’d tell you is this is a tough fight. It could go either way. We’re optimistic we can hold on.”

Asked about the fate of the House of Representatives, already in Democratic control, McConnell argued he was not qualified to make an assessment, saying, “I’m not an expert on the House. I focus pretty much on the Senate. I wish our Republican colleagues in the House well.”

McConnell did not name which states he specifically viewed as battlegrounds for incumbent Senate Republicans, though numerous races are viewed as toss-ups. They include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Maine, North Carolina, Montana and South Carolina.

Democrats are also at risk in numerous states as well. Republicans have a decent chance at taking back their recently lost Alabama Senate seat, currently held by Sen. Doug Jones. Jones is a Democrat running in a deep red state; he is facing a serious challenge from former Auburn University football coach Tommy Tuberville.

Additionally, Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.) has found herself within the margin of error of her Republican opponent, former Rep. Jason Lewis, in recent polling. Her loss would be striking, as a Republican has not won statewide office in Minnesota in since 2006.

Democrats are also defending seats in Michigan and New Hampshire.