Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi suggests that President Biden’s delayed withdrawal from the 2020 presidential race and subsequent endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris may have hindered the potential for a more competitive Democratic primary, potentially benefiting Donald Trump. Pelosi believes an open primary could have resulted in a stronger candidate, potentially altering the election outcome.
Incumbent Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat, has won the Rhode Island Democratic primary, securing his spot in the November general election. He will face Republican Patricia Morgan, who defeated fellow Republican Raymond T. McKay in the primary. The race has garnered attention as both Whitehouse and Morgan have outlined their priorities for Rhode Island, including economic issues, climate change, and the Supreme Court.
Rebecca Cooke, a local business owner, won the Democratic primary for Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating state Rep. Katrina Shankland. This sets up a rematch against Republican incumbent Derrick Van Orden in November. The race was contentious, with outside groups injecting money and candidates resorting to negative campaigning.
Democrat Lanon Baccam, running for Iowa’s Third Congressional District, removed numerous partisan posts from his X account prior to winning the primary. The posts, now accessible via the Wayback Machine, included anti-Trump and pro-Biden statements. Baccam faces Republican incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn in November. While Baccam claims to have focused on working families and veterans, the National Republican Congressional Committee alleges he’s attempting to appear more moderate by erasing his partisan past. The move comes as Iowa’s 3rd District remains competitive, with Democrats eager to regain the seat from Nunn.
Democratic Rep. Andy Kim has secured victory in New Jersey’s Senate primary, setting him on a course for the general election in November. Despite Sen. Bob Menendez’s recent decision to run as an independent, Kim is optimistic about his chances in a state that has favored Democrats in recent years. His victory comes after a bruising primary battle, including a challenge from New Jersey first lady Tammy Murphy. Kim will face wealthy hotel operator Curtis Bashaw in the general election, who prevailed in the Republican primary. The impact of Menendez’s independent candidacy on the race remains uncertain, but Republicans are hopeful that it will divide the Democratic vote. Kim has criticized Menendez, linking him to former President Trump, while Menendez has defended his decision to run independently, citing his hope for exoneration from corruption charges.
Fani Willis, the prosecutor in the Georgia election interference case against former President Trump, has won the Democratic primary. Willis defeated her Democratic challenger, Christian Wise Smith, by over 30,000 votes. Willis pledged that no one is above or below the law, in an apparent nod to her prosecution in the Trump trial. Wade and Willis have been accused of having an improper affair, but both have denied the allegations.
Aayden Gallagher, a transgender runner from McDaniel High School, emerged victorious in the Oregon 6A girls 200-meter championship on Saturday. In a significant political development, Maxine Dexter emerged as the winner of the Democratic Primary in Oregon’s 3rd Congressional District, overcoming a competitive field of progressive candidates. Dexter will succeed outgoing Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who has represented the district covering much of Portland since 1996.
Democratic Congressman David Trone of Maryland lost his state’s Democratic Senate primary despite spending approximately $60 million on his campaign. Trone, a wealthy co-founder of Total Wine & More, was defeated by Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks by a double-digit margin. Critics mocked Trone’s loss, calling him a ‘loser’ and ‘pathetic.’
Former Biden administration official April McClain-Delaney has won the Democratic primary in Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, prevailing over a crowded field of 15 other candidates. She will face Republican Neil Parrott in the general election in a race that is favored for Democrats.
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY), a member of the progressive ‘Squad,’ has accused the pro-Israel group AIPAC of racism and bullying. Bowman made the comments during a virtual town hall meeting on Monday, claiming that AIPAC is targeting him because he is black and a member of the ‘Squad.’ Bowman also criticized AIPAC for supporting his Democratic primary opponent, Westchester County Executive George Latimer.
