I haven't read anything that this would force special elections in those who don't have to stand for reelection this year. Instead the four whose terms seem to expire in 2026 are automatic Lame ducks: Senators Daniel Bonham (SD28), Cedric Hayden (SD06), Kim Thatcher (SD11), and Suzanne Weber (SD16).
And for those 6 that are barred this year, 2 are retiring already. Of the four remainders, most are safe and have designated successors in the event of the now real outcome of them losing this case.
Bill Hansell (SD29) and Lynn Findley (SD30) were already retiring.
Senate Minority Leader Tim Knopp (SD27), Brian Boquist (SD12), Dennis Linthicum (SD28), and Art Robinson (SD02) are all barred this year.
Their designated successors: Each previously designated a successor if they were barred from running. Robinson and Linthicum chose family members: Robinson’s son Noah and Linthicum’s wife, Diane, both filed for office last year. Dundee City Councilor and former Republican lawmaker Bruce Starr, a Boquist supporter, filed to run for Boquist’s seat. And Knopp earlier this month endorsed Shannon Monihan, executive director of the Downtown Bend Business Association, to run in his stead.
The reality is that of the ones who are effected this year, only the Minority Leader's seat is going to be competitive. SD-27 was already a Biden+20 seat thanks to the growth in Bend compacting the district, losing such a prominent incumbent is just going to make it Safe D. The selection of seats on both sides up this year in general are mostly the safe ones, with the exception of the marginal SD-05 presently GOP-held.
