Key Races and Candidates in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska Primaries

Voters in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska are gearing up for primary elections on Tuesday, with several closely contested Senate and House races on the line. In Maryland, the Democratic Senate primary is heating up as Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks faces off against Rep. David Trone for the chance to take on former Gov. Larry Hogan for a vacant seat. Trone’s decision to run for Senate has left his House seat open, with a number of Democrats eyeing the opportunity.

Meanwhile, in Nebraska, Rep. Don Bacon is running for reelection against a conservative hard-liner, while in West Virginia, several prominent Republicans are battling it out in the governor’s race primary.

Here are five key things to watch in the Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska primaries:

1. **Maryland Democratic Senate Primary:** Alsobrooks and Trone are in a tight race for the Democratic nomination for the Senate seat. Trone has spent a significant amount of money on his campaign, while Alsobrooks has garnered support from key party figures in Maryland. The race is neck and neck, with both candidates polling closely.

2. **Protest Votes for Biden and Trump:** Both President Biden and former President Trump are facing protest votes in the primaries, with Trump losing votes to supporters of Nikki Haley. The outcome of these protest votes could signal warning signs for the November elections.

3. **Crowded Maryland House Races:** Several Democrats in Maryland are leaving their seats open, leading to competitive primaries. The race for Rep. John Sarbanes’s seat is particularly close, with a former Capitol Police officer, Harry Dunn, facing off against two state legislators. Trone’s departure has also opened up another competitive race in Maryland.

4. **West Virginia Gubernatorial Race:** A handful of Republicans in West Virginia are vying for the nomination in the governor’s race, with state Attorney General Patrick Morrisey leading in the polls. The primary has seen a focus on transgender issues as candidates try to appeal to the right.

5. **Don Bacon’s Primary Challenge:** Rep. Don Bacon is facing a primary challenge from conservative hard-liner Dan Frei. Bacon is likely to come out ahead in the GOP primary, setting up a rematch against Democrat state Sen. Tony Vargas in the general election.

Overall, the primary elections in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska are shaping up to be closely watched contests with significant implications for the upcoming general elections.