On Tuesday, primaries took place across the country, potentially affecting the Republicans’ chances of regaining ground from the Democrats in November. In Nevada, Republicans were choosing a nominee to challenge Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen, whose seat is considered vulnerable in the closely watched battleground state that former President Donald Trump lost in 2016 and 2020. Trump recently endorsed Republican Sam Brown, who finished second in Nevada’s GOP Senate primary in 2022, but Brown faces competition from Jeff Gunter, who served as the U.S. Ambassador to Iceland during Trump’s presidency.
In South Carolina, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is facing a tough reelection battle. Mace, who had previously held Trump accountable for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, has since endorsed Trump’s 2024 run and received Trump’s endorsement in return. Mace has faced criticism for being among the Republicans who helped oust Kevin McCarthy as the Republican speaker of the House. She is being challenged in the Republican primary by Catherine Templeton, a former government official who has received support from a political action committee aligned with Kevin McCarthy. In South Carolina, a candidate needs to get a majority of the vote to win the primary and avoid a runoff.
Another race to watch in South Carolina is the challenge faced by incumbent Rep. William Timmons, who is being challenged by Adam Morgan, a fellow Republican who chairs the South Carolina Freedom Caucus. Timmons has received Trump’s endorsement, adding an extra layer of significance to this primary race. In Maine, the second congressional district, currently held by Democratic Rep. Jared Golden, is a major target for Republicans. This district is closely watched as it could play a pivotal role in deciding which party gains control of the House in November. Republican candidates Austin Theriault and Mike Soboleski are vying for the nomination.
In North Dakota, a reliable red state, Republicans are selecting their nominee to succeed Gov. Doug Burgum. The Republican race for governor features Rep. Kelly Armstrong and Burgum’s Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller as the main contenders. Trump has endorsed Armstrong, while Burgum is supporting Miller, adding an interesting dynamic to this race. These primary races in different parts of the country are crucial in determining the Republican party’s chances in the upcoming general election and may shape the political landscape in key battleground states. The outcomes of these primaries will influence the competitiveness of the general election and potentially impact the balance of power in Congress.
