Tuesday (May 17) is set to be the busiest day for primary elections in America. Millions of voters in several states are headed to the polls to cast their ballots in what is essentially a precursor to the midterm elections coming this fall.
There are multiple highly-contended Senate nominations on the line in a primary election cycle political science experts are describing as a final test of Donald Trump's political influence. The former president has thrown his support behind several candidates up for election and will see if that support is enough to get them a win as he considers his own 2024 Presidential run.
These are seven key primary races to watch on Tuesday.
Pennsylvania –– 2 Senate Primaries & A Governor's Race
Celebrity doctor Mehmet Oz is facing off against hedge fund manager David McCormick in Pennsylvania's Republican Senate Primary election after Sen. Pat Toomey announced his retirement.
Oz has gained endorsement from Trump while McCormick, who has trailed Oz in polls, has been surpassed by a third candidate, conservative commentator Kathy Barnette.
For Democrats, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman is going up against Rep. Conor Lamb. Polling shows Fetterman as a favorite in the primary while Lamb has continuously argued the lieutenant governor is too progressive to carry the state in November's midterm election.
Pennsylvania is usually a battleground state in the general election. President Joe Biden carried the state –– his home state –– by just over 1% in 2020.
As far as a governor, state Republicans are voting on which candidate to send to November's election to face Democrat Josh Shapiro. The race is between state Sen. Doug Mastriano, a favorite according to polling data, and former Rep. Lou Barletta.
North Carolina –– Republican Primaries for the House & Senate
In North Carolina, there are GOP primaries for seats in the Senate and House of Representatives. Republican Sen. Richard Burr is retiring, leaving a heated race between former Gov. Pat McCrory and the Trump-backed Rep. Ted Budd.
Rep. Madison Cawthorn is up for reelection in the state's 11th District and has a crowded race against the favorite among top Republicans from the state's legislature, state Sen. Chuck Edwards.
Oregon –– Democratic Primary
Rep. Kurt Schrader's 5th Congressional District seat in Oregon is being challenged by Jamie McLeod-Skinner in what's expected to be one of the major battles between progressive and moderate Democrats.
Schrader has received endorsements from President Biden while Sen. Elizabeth Warren has shown public support for McLeod-Skinner.
Idaho –– Governor's Race
Current Republican Idaho Gov. Brad Little is being challenged by the Trump-backed Lt. Gov. Janice McGeachin. Little is just one of two GOP governors lacking Trump's support, joining Georgia Republican incumbent Brian Kemp.
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