For the first time in 50 years, the Republican Party does not have a Jewish senator in the U.S. federal government. Norm Colman, a Jewish senatorial candidate from Minnesota, lost to Al Franken. Colman consequently contested the election results. However, his appeal was finally rejected.

In the mid- 90s, the Senate had eight Republican Jewish senators. In contrast, the Democratic Party had 11 Jewish senators. In addition, two Jewish senators were Independents, who usually vote together with the Democrats.