Voters across the United States are heading to the polls on Tuesday for primaries in several states, including key battlegrounds like Georgia and Pennsylvania. In Kentucky, a prominent Republican representative, Thomas Massie, is facing a challenger backed by former President Donald Trump. This primary has become one of the most expensive House races in history.
In Alabama, voters are participating in four out of seven House races, with the remaining three districts set to vote in August. This comes after a recent Supreme Court decision allowed the state to use a new congressional map that includes just one majority-Black district.
Here's what to know about the key races:
Kentucky 4th District
Thomas Massie, a long-time Republican representative, is facing off against Ed Gallrein in the 4th Congressional District in northern Kentucky. The race has become the most expensive House primary in history. Massie, who has served eight terms, defended his voting record, stating he votes with President Trump "90% of the time." However, Trump and his allies are dissatisfied with the remaining 10% of his votes, particularly on issues like the Iran war and the Epstein files.
Gallrein is supported by pro-Israel interest groups, including AIPAC and the Republican Jewish Coalition, as well as GOP megadonors like Miriam Adelson. These groups have invested millions into the race, aiming to oust Massie. Trump has publicly criticized Massie, calling him "the worst congressman in the long and storied history of the Republican Party."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also joined the campaign for Gallrein, criticizing Massie's "constant obstruction" and suggesting that being against everything becomes an excuse for accomplishing nothing.
Georgia Governor's Race
Georgia's governor's race is shaping up to be a significant contest. Popular Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is term-limited, leaving the seat open. The state, once solidly GOP, now has two Democratic senators and provided a key victory for former President Joe Biden in 2020, although it flipped back to Trump in 2024.
The 2020 election is now a backdrop for the Republican primary to replace Kemp. Notable candidates include Brad Raffensperger, Chris Carr, and Burt Jones, all of whom were involved in the 2020 election controversy. Billionaire Rick Jackson has entered the race, promising to become Trump's "favorite governor" and pledging to spend at least $50 million on his campaign. So far, he has spent $83 million.
Georgia Senate
A handful of Republicans are vying for the GOP nomination to take on incumbent Sen. Jon Ossoff in November. Ossoff has been in the Senate since 2021 and represents a key prize for Republicans seeking to hold onto control of the Senate. However, the GOP's inability to coalesce behind a candidate has improved Ossoff's outlook.
Pennsylvania
Democrats have a path to gain up to four seats in the House and could test Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro's political capital with swing voters in Pennsylvania. Key districts include the 7th, 10th, 8th, and 1st Districts, each with unique challenges and opportunities for Democrats.
Alabama
Alabama's Republican Gov. Kay Ivey declared a special election for the House races in the state's 1st, 2nd, 6th, and 7th Congressional Districts, which will be held on Aug. 11. This comes after a recent Supreme Court decision allowed the state to use a new congressional map. The 2023 map was blocked by the court because it had only one majority-Black district, but the Supreme Court last month narrowed the scope of the Voting Rights Act for majority-minority districts.
Idaho
Idaho will be holding contests on Tuesday for governor and both members of its congressional delegation, with primary challengers facing off in each race.
These primaries are shaping up to be critical moments in the political landscape, with significant implications for future elections and the balance of power in Congress.
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