Primary Elections in Six States Shape Senate, Governor and House Contests
Voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota and New Mexico cast ballots in primary elections that selected candidates for Senate, governor and House races ahead of the midterm elections. NPR had previously listed the six contests as crucial, noting that voters would decide on gubernatorial and congressional nominations. AP noted that the California governor's race featured a crowded field without a prominent candidate, while Democrats were hopeful of gains in Iowa's gubernatorial contest. When the primaries opened, AP reported that voters across the states, including California, Iowa and New Jersey, were casting ballots that could significantly influence the upcoming midterms.
NBC later reported that the House primaries in Iowa and California produced winners who would shape the balance of power in Congress. The Guardian added that the primary outcomes set the stage for Democrats to target Republican-held districts in New Jersey and Iowa. PBS noted that Democratic candidate Josh Turek secured the Senate nomination in Iowa, while President Trump's endorsement backfired as the candidate he backed lost the Republican primary. The same report highlighted that New Mexico's Deb Haaland made history by winning the Democratic nomination for governor.
