Key Primary Elections in Maryland and West Virginia Could Impact Senate Majority

Primary Elections in Maryland and West Virginia Could Impact Senate Majority

Voters in Maryland and West Virginia are gearing up for key primary elections on Tuesday that could have significant implications for the fight for the Senate majority in the upcoming fall elections.

In Maryland, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan is expected to dominate the state’s GOP Senate primary, despite his vocal criticism of former President Donald Trump. Hogan, who describes Trump as a threat to democracy, could become Maryland’s first Republican senator in over four decades. However, it remains to be seen whether Trump loyalists will rally behind him, as six other Republicans are challenging him in the primary.

On the Democratic side in Maryland, Rep. David Trone is locked in a contentious battle with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Trone, a wealthy businessman, has poured millions of his own money into the race and positioned himself as a progressive Democrat not tied to special interests. Alsobrooks, who has been endorsed by top officials in the state, is campaigning on economic opportunity, education, and abortion rights.

In West Virginia, the Republican Senate primary is expected to determine the replacement for retiring Democratic Senator Joe Manchin. Republican Governor Jim Justice and U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney are the leading candidates, with Justice enjoying Trump’s endorsement. The seat is likely to turn red in November with Manchin’s departure.

The presidential primaries in both states are less dramatic, with President Joe Biden and former President Trump already securing enough delegates for their respective nominations. However, some voters are using the primaries to register protest votes, particularly in Maryland where progressives unhappy with Biden’s policies are encouraging selecting “uncommitted” instead of Biden.

The primary elections also feature candidates with ties to the January 6th Capitol attack. In West Virginia, former House of Delegates member Derrick Evans, who participated in the insurrection, is running for Congress. In Maryland, former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn, who was at the Capitol during the attack, is among the Democratic candidates.

Overall, the primary elections in Maryland and West Virginia are shaping up to be crucial in determining the political landscape leading up to the fall elections, with control of the Senate majority hanging in the balance.