ROLL CALL: Doug Jones Now Faces the Red-State Democrat’s Dilemma.

Doug Jones will enter the Senate on Wednesday as the Democrat who did the impossible — he won his seat in Republican-dominated Alabama. He will now join a small cadre of red-state Democrats who have to navigate an increasingly divisive political environment.

Jones said he was elected because he emphasized finding common ground and working across the aisle. He will now have to prove it — especially if he has any hope of keeping his seat in 2020.

Time will tell exactly how Jones will balance representing a ruby-red state while maintaining Democratic values, including his pro-abortion rights stance. Jones has indicated he intends to be an accessible representative and forge bipartisan compromises when possible.

If the GOP is smart, they’ll force votes on some issues that will make life tough for him, Manchin, etc.