Four states are holding primary elections on Tuesday (May 24), marking yet another round of highly-anticipated political contests ahead of the 2022 midterm elections.
Georgia, Alabama, and Arkansas are holding primaries to determine candidates who will advance to face off in the November midterms, while Texas is holding runoff elections. The political influence of Donald Trump is to be seen in these races, particularly in Georgia where he's endorsed a list of Republican candidates. Trump is currently facing a criminal investigation in Georgia for the phone call he placed to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and asked to "find" enough votes to take the state's electoral votes during the 2020 General Election.
These are the primary races to watch this week:
Georgia
Governor's Race
Republican incumbent Brian Kemp is facing former Sen. David Perdue in Tuesday's primary election. Perdue is backed by Trump, though he's currently trailing in the polls. If Kemp wins, he'll face Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams in November for a gubernatorial re-match.
Senate Race
Sen. Raphael Warnock's Senate seat is back up for election. The Trump-backed Herschel Walker is running against State Agricultural Commissioner Gary Black and military vet Latham Saddler.
Secretary of State
Raffensperger is being challenged by the Trump-endorsed Rep. Jody Hice who objected to the 2020 Election results and continues to spread lies about the 2020 election. It's one of the secretaries of state races voters are watching as a wave of new voting laws hit the books across the country.
State Rep. Bee Nguyen leads on the Democratic side.
7th Congressional District
Republicans re-drew congressional maps, removing one seat from Atlanta's suburbs, prompting a tight battle between Democrats Rep. Lucy McBath and Rep. Carolyn Bourdeaux.
Alabama
Senate Race
Republican Senator Richard Shelby announced his retirement, opening up a seat and a crowded primary. Three candidates are emerging as likely to go to a runoff in June: former Alabama Business Council Director Katie Britt, military veteran Mike Durant, and US Rep. Mo Brooks, who was formerly endorsed by Trump before he said it was time to move forward from the 2020 election.
Governor's Race
Incumbent Republican Gov. Kay Ivey is being challenged by Tim James and Lindy Blanchard, a former Trump administration worker. Polls estimate a runoff may be likely.
Texas
Attorney General
There are two runoff elections for Texas' next Attorney General. On the Republican side, incumbent Ken Paxton is being challenged by George P. Bush, son of former President George W. Bush. Trump has backed Paxton who faces a multitude of allegations including corruption.
On the Democratic side, former ACLU lawyer Rochelle Garza will face Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski.
28th Congressional District
Both sides are having runoff elections in the race for the 28th Congressional District seat. Longtime Democratic incumbent Rep. Henry Cuellar is being challenged by Jessica Cisneros who is backed by Sens. Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Elizabeth Warren.
On the Republican side, former Ted Cruz staffer Cassy Garcia is facing Sandra Whitten for the South Texas seat.
Arkansas
Governor's Race
Sarah Huckabee Sanders is running to be the next governor of Arkansas as the current Gov. Asa Hutchison faces term limitations. Sanders is being challenged by one other candidate, Doc Washburn.
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