All articles tagged with #congressional primaries
Two Maryland Democratic House primaries near Washington, D.C., have become among the most expensive in U.S. history, with outside groups pouring about $12.5 million into MD-05 by early June—far eclipsing the candidates’ own spending—and heavy fundraising surrounds the MD-06 contest between David Trone and McClain Delaney, highlighting concerns about the impact and reach of outside spending on voters.
Pro-Israel lobbying groups, particularly Aipac, are expected to spend heavily to unseat progressive Democratic representatives in the 2024 congressional primaries, with candidates like Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush facing formidable challenges from well-funded opponents. The influence of pro-Israel money is evident in campaign finance reports, with Aipac earmarking significant contributions to certain challengers. Meanwhile, progressive incumbents Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib have raised substantial funds, indicating strong support for their criticism of the Israeli government's policies.
Voters in five states participated in congressional primaries on Super Tuesday, with California and Texas also holding Senate primaries. The primaries set up matchups for battleground races and determined likely winners for open seats. Notably, California's top-two primary system and new district maps in Alabama and North Carolina impacted the outcomes. Key results include Rep. Adam B. Schiff and former MLB player Steve Garvey advancing in California's Senate race, and Rep. Colin Allred winning the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas. Additionally, several runoffs are set for April and May in Alabama, Arkansas, and Texas, while North Carolina saw competitive races and new district configurations.
Conservative group AFP Action, backed by the Koch Brothers network, is endorsing five Republican House candidates in an effort to avoid losses in the 2024 elections. Four of the candidates are running for seats targeted by the National Republican Congressional Committee. The group argues that supporting strong candidates during contested primaries is crucial for advancing good policies. AFP Action has already endorsed eight other House and Senate candidates and aims to mobilize its grassroots network to help these candidates win their primaries and general elections. The group has a large voter base and significant financial resources, having spent nearly $80 million in 2022.
Voters in Rhode Island and Utah are heading to the polls in special congressional primaries to select new members of Congress. In Utah's 2nd District, Republican voters will choose among three conservative candidates, while in Rhode Island's 1st District, nearly a dozen Democrats are running to fill the seat. The candidates in both races largely agree on the issues, making endorsements and campaign finance issues crucial. The winners of these primaries are expected to head to Congress, pending any surprises in the general election.