Four states – Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon – are holding primary contests, including several congressional showdowns that could shape key contests in the autumn battle for control of the House. In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the prosecution of former President Donald Trump in his 2020 election interference case, faces a Democratic primary challenge. Willis has faced scrutiny for her handling of the case, but is expected to fend off the challenge in the primary. Meanwhile, in Oregon, there is a battle between the progressive and establishment wings of the Democratic Party in two congressional primaries.
In Georgia, there are no gubernatorial or Senate races on the ballot this year, so the state’s 14 congressional districts will take top billing. Controversial Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is running unopposed in the GOP primary in Georgia’s 14th Congressional District, while four Democrats are facing off in the race to take her on in November. Former President Trump is backing former adviser Brian Jack in the GOP primary race for an open seat in Georgia’s 3rd District. Incumbent Democrats and Republicans in the state are also facing primary challenges in various districts.
In Oregon, the battle between the progressive and establishment wings of the Democratic Party continues in two congressional primaries. Two candidates are facing off in the race to succeed longtime Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer in the heavily-blue Portland anchored 3rd Congressional District. In the 5th District, which will likely help determine if the GOP can hold on to its majority, Democrats will choose a nominee to take on GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer. Republicans will also choose nominees in the state’s 4th and 6th Districts in hopes of flipping blue seats to red seats in November.
In California, there is an all-Republican special Congressional election to fill the remainder of former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s term in the heavily red 20th District. Vince Fong, backed by McCarthy and Trump, is facing off against Mike Boudreaux. The winner will fill the seat for the rest of the year and will boost the GOP’s current majority. The race to watch in Kentucky is the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Thomas Massie is facing a challenge from Trump supporter Eric Deters. Kentucky and Oregon will also hold presidential primaries on Tuesday.
Overall, these primary contests in Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon will have significant implications for the upcoming battle for control of the House in the autumn. The outcomes of these races could shape the composition of the House and impact key decisions in Congress. With high-profile candidates like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Fani Willis facing challenges, and the battle between progressive and establishment wings of the Democratic Party in Oregon, these primaries will be closely watched by political observers across the country.
