As previously, Valorum was supported by the Core faction of senators. Many senators doubted Valorum's competency, and they considered backing Palpatine. Nonetheless, Valorum easily won re-election as his enemies considered him easily controllable, and there were no real threats to his run from opposing candidates.
Perhaps because of this, it was shortly after the election that Valorum and Palpatine began a friendship, with Palpatine becoming a de facto advisor to the Chancellor.