Key Races and Candidates in Tuesday’s Primary Elections: What to Watch

Primary elections in three states on Tuesday will determine candidates for key races in the U.S. Senate and could impact the presidential race. Voters in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska will head to the polls to cast their ballots in primaries that will decide candidates for the Senate and potentially bolster both parties’ presidential candidates.

In Maryland and West Virginia, the Senate primaries will be closely watched as the outcome could determine control of the chamber. In West Virginia, the race to succeed Democratic Senator Joe Manchin is expected to be fierce, with Republicans vying for victory. The Republican primary features Governor Jim Justice and Representative Alex Mooney, while Democrats will choose between Glenn Elliott and Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury.

In Maryland, former Governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, is seeking his party’s nomination for the Senate and facing off against Robin Ficker, who has aligned himself with President Trump. Democratic Representative David Trone will compete against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in their party’s primary.

Former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley’s name remains on the ballot in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia despite dropping out of the Republican presidential race. Primary voters will have the opportunity to vote for Haley as an alternative to Trump.

In Maryland, voters in the Democratic primary can choose to vote “uncommitted to any presidential candidate” instead of supporting Biden. This option is not available in Nebraska and West Virginia, but some progressive Democrats have been urging voters to cast uncommitted ballots in protest of Biden’s stance on Israel amid the conflict in Gaza.

The outcomes of these primaries will have significant implications for the Senate and could shape the trajectory of the presidential race. Stay tuned for updates on the results from Tuesday’s elections.