Key Primary Elections in Maryland and West Virginia to Determine Senate Majority

Primary Elections in Maryland and West Virginia Could Impact Senate Majority

Voters in Maryland and West Virginia are heading to the polls on Tuesday to participate in key primary elections that could have significant implications for the fight for the Senate majority this fall. The outcomes of these primaries could potentially flip control of Congress’ upper chamber for at least two years.

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

On the Democratic side in Maryland, Rep. David Trone is engaged in a heated battle with Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Trone, a wealthy businessman, has poured millions of dollars of his own money into the race, positioning himself as a progressive Democrat not tied to special interests. Alsobrooks, who is vying to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. senator, has garnered support from top officials in the state.

In West Virginia, the Republican Senate primary is expected to determine the replacement for retiring Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. Republican Governor Jim Justice and U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney are the leading candidates, with Justice enjoying the endorsement of Trump. 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 Trump already securing enough delegates for their respective nominations. However, voters are using the primaries to express dissatisfaction with the Biden-Trump rematch, with some Maryland progressives opting to select “uncommitted” instead of Biden.

The primaries also feature candidates with ties to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. 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 on duty during the attack, is running for Congress as well.

Overall, the primary elections in Maryland and West Virginia are shaping up to be crucial contests with far-reaching implications for the political landscape in both states and the nation as a whole.