US Primaries: Trump’s Influence and Key Races to Watch
Voters in Alabama, California, the District of Columbia, Georgia, and Oklahoma head to the polls Tuesday for primary elections. According to the Associated Press, these contests will test the influence of President Donald Trump’s endorsements against significant campaign spending and outsider challenges in several Republican races.
How much is a Trump endorsement worth in Georgia?
The Republican runoff for Georgia governor pits Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones against healthcare tycoon Rick Jackson. The Associated Press reports that Jackson has spent over $100 million to convince voters to ignore Trump’s support for Jones.
In the May 19 primary, Jones finished first with 38% of the vote, while Jackson followed with 33%. The final result may depend on voters who did not support either candidate in the first round.
Can an outsider defeat a Trump-backed candidate in Alabama?
The runoff for Alabama’s open Senate seat features U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a three-term congressman endorsed by Trump. Moore has pledged to be a “warrior” for the “America First” agenda, according to the Associated Press.
He faces former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson, who is campaigning as a Washington outsider. Because Alabama is a Republican stronghold, the primary winner is likely to prevail in November over Democratic runoff candidates Dakarai Larriett or Everett Wess.
What happens in the Oklahoma Republican primary?
President Trump endorsed former state Sen. Mike Mazzei two weeks ago in a crowded field for governor. The Associated Press reports that the race will go to a runoff if no candidate secures a majority of the vote.
This endorsement follows a recent loss for Trump’s preferred candidate in Iowa. U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra lost that state’s primary to Zach Lahn.
How does DC’s new voting system affect the mayoral race?
The District of Columbia is using a new ranked choice voting system for the first time in its mayoral race. Voters rank candidates on the ballot; if no one reaches 50%, second choices are counted, a process that may delay results by several days.
Leading contenders include democratic socialist Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie. The Associated Press reports that Trump threatened to potentially take over the city if George wins, a statement George called “an attack on democracy itself.”
Why is the Georgia Secretary of State runoff significant?
Two Republicans are competing to replace Brad Raffensperger. Candidate Vernon Jones, a former Democrat, says he believes there were “irregularities” and “violations” in the 2020 election, according to the Associated Press.
His opponent, state Rep. Tim Fleming, has also cited “irregularities” in 2020, though he claims he is not running on “conspiracy theories.” Fleming’s platform includes a goal to make it “impossible for the Left to cheat.”
Who is competing for Eric Swalwell’s former seat?
A special primary election in California aims to fill the House seat vacated by Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April following sexual assault allegations. Swalwell has denied the accusations.
Democratic candidates Aisha Wahab and Melissa Hernandez are competing for the seat. If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote Tuesday, the top two will move to a runoff on Aug. 18.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rick Jackson running against in Georgia?
Rick Jackson is facing Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican runoff for governor.
What is the new voting method being used in DC?
The District of Columbia is utilizing a ranked choice voting system where voters rank candidates by preference.
Why did Eric Swalwell resign from Congress?
He resigned in April after a woman alleged he had sexually assaulted her twice, though he has denied the claims.
Which factor do you believe is more influential in modern primaries: a high-profile endorsement or significant campaign spending?