Upcoming Primary Elections: A Preview of the Midterms

As the United States progresses toward the significant November midterm elections, several states and the national capital are holding primary elections this week. These contests are pivotal, as they will determine the candidates who will compete for control of the US Congress and other crucial offices. The midterms are also widely seen as a barometer of President Donald Trump's second term, particularly amidst a challenging conflict with Iran and mounting concerns over the cost of living.

Primary elections, which serve to select a political party’s nominee for the general election, are scheduled in Alabama, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Washington, DC. These races are drawing considerable attention due to the high stakes involved and the potential implications for the national political landscape. Below is a detailed look at some of the most closely watched races, key candidates, and what these results might mean for the broader midterm picture.

Alabama: A Test of Presidential Influence

In Alabama, voters are participating in a Republican primary run-off to choose a candidate for a US Senate seat. This seat is being vacated by Senator Tommy Tuberville, who has opted to run for governor instead of seeking re-election to Congress. The initial primary vote on May 19 did not produce a clear winner, leading to a run-off between former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson and Congressman Barry Moore, who has received President Trump's endorsement. This race is a significant indicator of Trump’s continued influence within the Republican party.

President Trump's endorsement played a role in Moore securing the largest share of votes in the first round, and he recently reaffirmed his support for Moore, hailing him as an exemplary “America First candidate.” However, Moore faces a formidable challenge from Hudson, who has a background in security and arms training and also leads a nonprofit focused on combating human trafficking. In the initial primary, Moore received 39 percent of the vote, while Hudson garnered 26 percent. On the Democratic side, candidates include Dakarai Larriett, an entrepreneur in pet aromatherapy, and Everett Wess, a former municipal judge, both vying for their party's Senate nomination.

Polls in Alabama are open from 7 AM to 7 PM local time on Tuesday (12:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday). It is worth noting that primaries for four of Alabama's seven congressional districts have been rescheduled for August 11, a decision prompted by a US Supreme Court ruling that led several Republican-led states to redraw their district maps.

California: Special Election and Shifting Districts

California is once again at the forefront of political news with a special primary election for the seat of former House of Representatives member Eric Swalwell. Swalwell, who was initially a leading contender for California governor, withdrew from that race and resigned his House seat in April following allegations of sexual abuse. Governor Gavin Newsom subsequently announced a special election to fill the vacancy in the state’s 14th Congressional District, with the special primary scheduled for June 16 and the general special election on August 18.

Prominent candidates in this special primary include Democratic state Senator Aisha Wahab, former Dublin Mayor and Bay Area Rapid Transit board member Melissa Hernandez, and Republican real estate investor Wendy Huang. California operates under an open primary system, meaning all candidates, regardless of party affiliation, compete in a single primary. If Democrats successfully retain this seat in what is considered a reliably 'blue' state, it could bolster their prospects of regaining control of the US House from Republicans in November.

Adding complexity for local voters, this seat is subject to two separate electoral tracks with many of the same candidates. The 14th district was one of several areas redrawn as part of a redistricting measure approved by California voters. A primary held on June 2 determined the two candidates who will contend for a full term under the newly drawn map in November, with Wahab placing first and Hernandez second. The special election on August 18 will decide who serves in the seat until the end of the current year.

Polls in California will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM local time on Tuesday (14:00 GMT Tuesday to 03:00 GMT Wednesday).

Georgia: A Crucial Battleground

Georgia voters will be selecting candidates for both the US Senate and the state's gubernatorial race. This southern state is widely regarded as a critical battleground that could significantly influence the balance of power in the US Senate this November. Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff is seeking re-election, and Republicans are hoping to unseat him, which would limit the Democrats' path to a Senate majority.

The Republican primary for the Senate seat features Representative Mike Collins and former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley. Collins led the first round of primary voting on May 19 with approximately 41 percent. While President Trump did not endorse a candidate in the initial primary, he has since backed Collins. Dooley, in contrast, has distanced himself from Trump, stating he did not vote in the 2016 and 2020 elections. Outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, who has had past disagreements with Trump, has endorsed Dooley.

Republicans will also finalize their gubernatorial candidate. Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, who was the top vote-getter in the first round but did not secure a majority, is endorsed by both Trump and Kemp. He will face healthcare executive Rick Jackson, who received 33 percent of the vote in the first round, in a run-off. The winner of this Republican run-off will advance to face the Democratic candidate, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who secured over 50 percent of the vote in her primary.

Polls in Georgia will operate from 7 AM to 7 PM local time on Tuesday (11:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT).

Oklahoma: Gubernatorial and Senate Races

Oklahoma is hosting a series of primary races for various federal and state-level positions. The contest to replace Governor Kevin Stitt, who is term-limited, is among the most closely watched, attracting nine contenders. These include current and former state officials such as Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Secretary of Public Safety Chip Keating, former state Senator Mike Mazzei, and former State House Speaker Charles McCall. President Trump has endorsed Mazzei, who is in a tight race with Drummond according to polls. Democrats will choose between candidates like State House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and former State Senator Connie Johnson.

Another significant primary is for the US Senate seat previously held by Markwayne Mullin, whom Trump appointed to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mullin’s appointed replacement, Senator Alan Armstrong, has decided not to seek a full term. In this race, President Trump has endorsed Representative Kevin Hern. Both Hern and Democratic candidate Jim Priest, a lawyer and minister, are leading in fundraising for their respective parties. Republicans are generally favored in statewide elections in this deeply conservative state. Additionally, voters will consider State Question 832, a measure to potentially raise the state minimum wage.

Polls in Oklahoma are open from 7 AM to 7 PM local time on Tuesday (12:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday).

Washington, DC: Mayoral and Congressional Delegate Races

The nation's capital, Washington, DC, is also holding a district-wide primary for several municipal and federal positions. The city, which was a point of contention during President Trump's deployment of federal agents last year, is seeing a competitive Democratic mayoral primary as three-term Mayor Muriel Bowser retires. This mayoral race has highlighted divisions between the progressive and establishment factions within the Democratic Party.

Organizations aligned with democratic socialist Senator Bernie Sanders are supporting Ward 4 Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George. In contrast, Mayor Bowser and prominent national Democratic figures have thrown their support behind Councilman Kenyan McDuffie. President Trump recently stated he would consider a federal takeover of the city if Lewis George were elected. The city will also vote on its non-voting delegate to the US Congress.

Polls in Washington, DC, will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM local time on Tuesday (11:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday).

Source: Al Jazeera