Republican Senate Contenders Advance in Maryland and West Virginia, Boosting GOP’s Control Push

Republican voters in Maryland and West Virginia have advanced strong Senate contenders, giving the GOP a significant boost in their efforts to claim control of Congress’ upper chamber. Former Gov. Larry Hogan secured the Republican nomination in Maryland, setting up a high-profile race against Angela Alsobrooks, a top local official who could potentially become the fourth Black woman in U.S. history to serve in the Senate.

In West Virginia, popular Republican Gov. Jim Justice won the Senate nomination, making him the favorite in a race that represents the GOP’s best opportunity for a pickup in the nation. With the Republicans defending a slim 51-49 Senate majority, these victories in Maryland and West Virginia pose a serious challenge for Democrats as they defend seats in other states that former President Donald Trump won in the previous election.

The primary elections in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia on Tuesday saw Republicans and Democrats selecting their nominees for the upcoming November elections, which will determine the presidency and control of Congress. In Maryland, Hogan’s victory gives Republicans a chance to win a Senate seat in a traditionally blue state, while Alsobrooks emerged as the Democratic nominee after a contentious primary against U.S. Rep. David Trone.

In West Virginia, Justice’s win in the primary sets the stage for a likely red seat in November, with the departure of Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin. Justice, a former Democrat who switched to the Republican Party in 2017, enjoys strong popularity in the state and has managed to navigate his relationship with Trump while focusing on bipartisan issues like infrastructure.

The primary elections also saw voters expressing their dissatisfaction with the Biden-Trump rematch, with some opting for protest votes. In Maryland, progressives unhappy with the Biden administration’s policies encouraged voters to select “uncommitted to any presidential candidate,” while in West Virginia and Nebraska, Trump’s critics could choose his former GOP rival Nikki Haley.

Additionally, the elections featured candidates who were involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn lost in Maryland, while former House of Delegates member Derrick Evans was defeated in West Virginia. These races, along with other key contests in Nebraska and North Carolina, highlight the ongoing political dynamics shaping the 2024 election landscape.