Voters are casting their ballots in four states on Tuesday for primaries that will shape key Senate races and resolve other intraparty conflicts. These contests include a race featuring a Jan. 6 Capitol rioter and another featuring a police officer who battled the rioters that day.
Primaries are being held in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska, while North Carolina is conducting runoffs for races where no candidate secured a majority in its March primaries. In West Virginia, former President Donald Trump’s endorsement is influential, particularly in the race to replace retiring Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Trump is also expected to secure endorsement victories in North Carolina for House candidates Addison McDowell and Brad Knott.
Several Republican lawmakers are defending against primary challenges from their right, and Maryland's open seats will also influence the future Democratic caucus.
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. ET in West Virginia and North Carolina, 8 p.m. ET in Maryland, and 9 p.m. ET in Nebraska. Here are four key points to watch.
**Senate Race Matchups**
Republicans are aiming for potential pickups in traditionally blue Maryland and red West Virginia as they strive to flip the Senate this year.
Manchin’s retirement makes West Virginia, which Trump won by 39 points in 2020, a prime target for the GOP.
The Republican primary there remains contentious, testing Trump's influence among voters. Trump endorsed GOP Governor Jim Justice early in the race, with support from the National Republican Senatorial Committee. However, Rep. Alex Mooney, boosted by Club for Growth Action, remains a strong contender, criticizing Justice as a liberal who raised taxes. Justice, in turn, highlights his gubernatorial accomplishments and Trump’s endorsement in his TV ads.
Three Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination: Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott, Marine veteran and organizer Zachary Shrewsbury, and former coal baron Don Blankenship, who previously ran unsuccessfully for the Senate as a Republican in 2018 and served prison time for mine safety violations.
In Maryland, the Senate race could be pivotal if former Governor Larry Hogan wins the GOP primary. Hogan, a two-term governor and Trump critic, faces perennial candidate Robin Ficker, who has self-funded his campaign and outspent Hogan on ads. The NRSC backs Hogan, emphasizing his focus on immigration in their ads. Hogan’s entry has impacted the Democratic primary between Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, with both candidates arguing they can retain the seat in November. Trone, a wealthy businessman, has heavily funded his campaign, while Alsobrooks has significant endorsements, including from Governor Wes Moore and Senator Chris Van Hollen.
In deep-red Nebraska, GOP Senator Pete Ricketts is running to complete the term of former Senator Ben Sasse, with adjunct professor Preston Love Jr. as his only Democratic challenger. Republican Senator Deb Fischer, seeking her third term, faces independent Dan Osborne in November.
**House Republicans Face Right-Wing Challengers**
Several House Republicans are contending with primary challenges from their right. In Nebraska’s 2nd District, Rep. Don Bacon faces businessman Dan Frei. Despite the state Republican Party’s backing of Frei, Bacon and his allied super PAC have significantly outspent him. If Bacon wins, he will face a rematch with Democratic state Senator Tony Vargas, who narrowly lost in 2022.
In West Virginia’s 1st District, Rep. Carol Miller is up against Derrick Evans, a former state delegate convicted for his role in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot. Evans has promoted his actions from that day in his campaign, while Miller, who has outspent him, highlights Trump’s praise despite his lack of formal endorsement.
**Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn Runs for Congress**
Harry Dunn, a former Capitol Police officer known for his testimony during the House investigation into the Jan. 6 attack, is running in Maryland’s open 3rd District.
This Democratic-leaning seat is being vacated by Rep. Paul Sarbanes. Dunn, the top fundraiser, has spent millions on ads, including those highlighting his Jan. 6 actions.
The United Democracy Project has spent significantly to support state Senator Sarah Elfreth, focusing on issues like abortion and healthcare. Dunn has countered by emphasizing UDP’s Republican donor base.
Maryland’s 6th District features competitive primaries to replace Rep. David Trone, with notable Democratic candidates including April McLain Delaney, state Delegate Joe Vogel, Hagerstown Mayor Tekesha Martinez, and Montgomery County Council member Laurie-Anne Sayles.
The Republican primary sees 2022 gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox and former state Delegate Neil Parrott as frontrunners. Additionally, Democratic Rep.
Dutch Ruppersberger’s retirement opens another seat, with Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski and state Delegate Harry Bhandari among the top Democratic contenders.
The Republican field includes Kimberly Klacik, a pro-Trump radio personality and former congressional nominee.
**Contentious Primary for West Virginia Governor**
The race to replace Governor Jim Justice has been heated, with a crowded field including prominent politicians and family members of well-known political figures. Candidates include Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Secretary of State Mac Warner, former state Rep. Moore Capito (son of Sen. Shelley Moore Capito), and businessman Chris Miller (son of Rep. Carol Miller). There has been extensive ad spending, with over $33 million by candidates and outside groups. While Justice supports Capito, Trump has not endorsed anyone.
Ad campaigns have been particularly aggressive, with accusations and personal attacks. Despite the contentious primary, the Republican nominee is expected to be favored against Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, the lone Democrat in the race.