Primaries to Watch in Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, Oregon, and California
On Tuesday, four states – Georgia, Kentucky, Idaho, and Oregon – will hold primary contests, including several congressional showdowns that could shape key contests in the autumn battle for control of the House. In addition, a special election in California will determine the successor to former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Georgia Primaries:
In Georgia, the most closely watched race is a county prosecutor primary in Atlanta, where Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the prosecution of former President Donald Trump in his 2020 election interference case, faces a challenge from attorney Christian Wise Smith. Other key races to watch in Georgia include the GOP primary for the open seat in Georgia’s 3rd District, where Trump is backing former adviser Brian Jack, and the Democratic primary in Georgia’s 14th District, where controversial Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene is running unopposed in the GOP primary.
Kentucky Primaries:
In Kentucky, the race to watch is the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District, where Rep. Thomas Massie, who backed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis in the GOP presidential primary and pushed along with Greene to oust current House Speaker Mike Johnson, is facing a challenge from Trump supporter Eric Deters.
Idaho Primaries:
In Idaho, all eyes will be on the GOP primary in the 2nd Congressional District, where incumbent Republican Rep. Mike Simpson is facing a challenge from state Rep. Dorothy Moon.
Oregon Primaries:
In Oregon, it’s a battle between the progressive and establishment wings of the Democratic Party in two congressional primaries. In the 3rd Congressional District, two candidates are facing off in the race to succeed longtime Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, while in the 5th District, a crucial swing district stretching south from suburban Portland, Democrats will choose a nominee to take on GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
California Special Election:
In California, there’s an all-Republican special Congressional election to fill the remainder of McCarthy’s term in the heavily red 20th District. Vince Fong, a state lawmaker and former McCarthy district director, has the backing of the former House speaker as well as Trump’s endorsement as he faces off against Mike Boudreaux, a local county sheriff. The winner will fill the seat for the rest of the year and will instantly boost by one the GOP’s current 217-213 majority.