Four Key State Primaries Set Stage for November Senate and House Showdowns
These week’s crucial primaries taking place in Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, and Washington state are expected to create a clearer picture for the forthcoming November Senate and House contests. Both the Republican and Democrat nomination competitors are expected to set the stage for this fall’s struggle for Senate and House majorities.
Michigan to Decide Who Will Succeed Debbie Stabenow
Emphasized among the primary contests is the Michigan race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. The fact that this seat is among the few in salient battleground states that the GOP aims to overturn in its bid to regain Senate control lost in the 2020 elections makes this race even more gripping.
Former FBI special agent and Rep. Mike Rogers is considered a strong candidate for the Republicans, boasting endorsements from both the Senate GOP’s campaign arm and the party’s presidential nominee. Other notable contestants include former Rep. Justin Amash and physician Sherry O’Donnell. For the Democrats, Rep. Elissa Slotkin is considered the clear front-runner, competing against Detroit small business owner Hill Harper.
Races for House Seats Also Garnering Attention
Other Michigan congressional seats potentially influencing the control of the U.S. House also have competitive primaries this Tuesday. In Missouri, conservative Sen. Josh Hawley runs unopposed in the GOP primary as he seeks re-election. Democrats’ nominee Lucas Kunce, however, is expected to face a formidable challenge against Hawley in November.
Progressive ‘Squad’ Member Faces Tough Primary Capaign in Missouri
Creating a significant buzz in Missouri is the Democrats’ nomination in the St. Louis-area 1st Congressional District. Here, Rep. Cori Bush, a progressive “Squad” member, is battling St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell in what has evolved into a highly funded primary campaign.
Another Tight Race for GOP in Missouri
Meanwhile, in the contest to proceed term-limited Republican Gov. Mike Parson, three of the nine candidates in the primary field have received Trump’s endorsement. These include Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, Mike Kehoe, and Air Force veteran state Sen. Bill Eigel.
Kansas and Washington State Primaries
In Kansas, primaries are being held in the contest to succeed retiring GOP Rep. Jake LaTurner in the 2nd Congressional District, covering large parts of eastern Kansas, including metropolitan Kansas City parts. A fierce fight is also expected in the urban 3rd Congressional District where two Republicans are vying to contest three-term Rep. Sharice Davids, the only Democrat in the Kansas delegation.
Over in Washington state, Democrat Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez is seeking re-election for a second term while battling Republican Joe Kent, who she defeated in 2022, in an all-party primary. Whoever emerges in the top two in the primary in Washington state will face off in the forthcoming November elections.
Stay tuned for all the significant updates from the campaign trail in 2024, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analyses from leading political experts.
