Democrats face key primaries in Michigan, Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and Washington

Voters in Michigan, Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and Washington are casting ballots in primary contests that could shape control of Congress. In Michigan, the Democratic Senate primary pits state health official Abdul El-Sayed against Rep. Haley Stevens for the seat of retiring Sen. Gary Peters, a race that national Democrats say is essential for retaining a Senate majority. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer backs Stevens, while Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez campaign for El-Sayed. Former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers runs unopposed for the Republican nomination.

"Sometimes, when the Democratic Party talks about a big tent, we push everybody into the corner and then go talk and pander to the corner," El-Sayed told CBS News correspondent Ed O'Keefe.

"This is six years of hard, unglamorous work that I'm signing up for. I'm Michigan's workhorse. That's what I want to be," Stevens said, adding that her opponent already has a presidential website.

The Michigan governor's race is also open after Gov. Whitmer reaches term limits. Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson leads the Democratic primary, while former Rep. John James holds a sizable lead among Republicans after other candidates withdrew.

In Virginia, the state Supreme Court has reinstated the 2021 nonpartisan congressional map, prompting Democrats to focus on several districts they hope to flip despite the loss of a voter-approved redistricting plan. Former Rep. Elaine Luria and prosecutor Shannon Taylor are among the candidates challenging incumbent Republicans.

Missouri’s congressional contests are affected by ongoing redistricting litigation. Rep. Wesley Bell faces a rematch with former Rep. Cori Bush in the 1st District, while long-time Rep. Emanuel Cleaver runs unopposed in a newly drawn district that may be contested by multiple Republicans.

Washington’s top-two primary will determine the two candidates advancing to the November ballot in the 3rd Congressional District, where incumbent Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez faces a field that includes Trump-endorsed state Sen. John Braun.

Kansas voters will select a new governor as Gov. Laura Kelly is term-limited. The race features three Democrats and seven Republicans, with former Senate President Ty Masterson receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.