Why a handful of Democrats hold the key to reopening the US government

Democrats hold line on shutdown

As the US federal government shutdown enters its second week, the spotlight is on a handful of Democratic senators who could tilt the balance. Republicans, holding 53 seats, need eight Democrats to cross party lines to pass a stopgap funding bill. So far, none have shifted beyond the three who backed the GOP before the shutdown deadline: Catherine Cortez Masto of Nevada, John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, and Angus King of Maine. With no bipartisan talks in sight, attention is now fixed on Democrats seen as open to compromise, the New York Times reported.

Those heading for the exit

Senators Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire and Gary Peters of Michigan are not running for re-election in 2026. Both are known for supporting bipartisan deals in the past and have pressed for negotiations on health care subsidies, which Democrats want extended as part of any shutdown resolution. Republicans see them as prime targets, pointing out that their retirements insulate them from political backlash. But both Shaheen and Peters insist that vague promises are not enough—they want concrete action on protecting Affordable Care Act subsidies before agreeing to reopen the government.

Democrats on the ballot in 2026

For others, electoral stakes complicate the decision. Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia faces a tough re-election in a state that flipped back to Trump in 2024. With thousands of federal workers in his state already furloughed, Ossoff faces pressure from constituents, but breaking ranks could alienate his Democratic base. Senator Chris Coons of Delaware, another moderate up for re-election, has demanded Republicans reject cuts to the NIH and CDC before he considers crossing over. Senator Mark Warner of Virginia, who has criticized Trump sharply during the shutdown, shows little interest in compromise for now, despite his centrist record.

Moderates under pressure

Moderate Democrats are being closely watched for signs of movement. Senator Jacky Rosen of Nevada has expressed frustration that the White House hasn’t reached out, even after her state colleague Cortez Masto sided with Republicans. Senator Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire and Senator Elissa Slotkin of Michigan have both supported past GOP funding bills and could again come under pressure. Slotkin in particular has emphasized health care as her core issue, shaped by her mother’s death without insurance.

Arizona’s Democratic duo

Another group drawing attention is Arizona’s two Democratic senators, Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego. Both have said they want to negotiate, but they’ve made clear they will only support a Republican plan if a health care subsidy extension is put on the Senate floor at the same time. “We’re not going to just trust the words of people that have already gone back on their words a couple times,” Gallego warned.

What comes next

So far, Democrats have held firm, believing Republicans will eventually have to concede on health subsidies. But with the shutdown stretching on and federal workers feeling the pinch, the pressure on these moderates is growing. Whether they stick with the party or cut a deal could determine how and when the government reopens.