What to know about Tuesday’s primaries in California, New Jersey, Montana | US Midterm Elections 2026 News
Voters Head to Polls in Key Primary Elections Across Six States
Voters in six states are casting ballots in primary elections on Tuesday, laying the groundwork for November’s midterm elections. The states holding primaries include Iowa, Montana, New Mexico, New Jersey, South Dakota, and California, marking one of the most significant electoral days of the year.
The primaries will determine candidates for at least 74 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and influence the overarching control of Congress. All House seats and approximately one-third of Senate seats will be contested in November. Democrats aim to secure majorities in both chambers, shifting control from Republicans.
Primaries allow party members to select candidates for the general election, though formats vary by state. In California, for instance, many statewide races are nonpartisan, allowing the top two vote-getters from any party to advance.
Iowa’s Competitive Senate Race
Iowa, often a bellwether state in presidential primaries, is home to a closely watched Senate race. With incumbent Republican Senator Joni Ernst retiring, two Democratic contenders are competing to fill the open seat: State Representative Josh Turek and State Senator Zach Wahls. Turek has received backing from the Democratic establishment as a more moderate option. The Republican nominee is expected to be U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson, a staunch supporter of former President Donald Trump. If no candidate secures at least 35 percent of the primary vote, a nominee will be chosen at the state party convention on June 13.
New Jersey’s Incumbent Challenges
New Jersey’s primaries are attracting attention as Democratic contenders seek to capitalize on the vulnerabilities of incumbent Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr., who is running unopposed in his primary. Kean has faced scrutiny for missing over 100 House votes and failing to attend public events to address constituents, citing a “personal medical issue.” Leading the Democratic primary in the 7th District is Rebecca Bennett, a former Navy pilot, alongside three other challengers.
Montana’s Senate Race Unfolds
Montana’s political landscape is also shifting, particularly following the unexpected withdrawal of incumbent Senator Steve Daines from the primary ballot. This move appears designed to favor Trump-endorsed Republican Kurt Alme. Five Democrats are vying for their party’s nomination, while Seth Bodnar, a Green Beret veteran and former University of Montana president, plans to run as an independent, automatically securing a spot on the November ballot.
Governorship in New Mexico Up for Grabs
In New Mexico, candidates are vying for congressional seats, a U.S. Senate seat, and various statewide offices, with a spotlight on the gubernatorial race. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Indigenous cabinet secretary in U.S. history, is seeking the Democratic nomination. If successful, she would be the first Indigenous woman elected governor in the nation.
South Dakota’s Open House Seat
South Dakota’s single House seat is open following Republican Representative Dusty Johnson’s decision to run for governor. State Attorney General Marty Jackley, endorsed by Trump, is expected to be the leading candidate in the Republican primary.
California’s Host of Races
California, the most populous state, is holding primaries for 52 House races, though many are anticipated to be noncompetitive due to recent redistricting favoring Democrats. The 22nd District, currently represented by incumbent Republican David Valadao, is expected to see a competitive three-way race. The governor’s race also garners attention, with 61 candidates, including progressive businessman Tom Steyer and former cabinet secretary Xavier Becerra, competing to replace term-limited Governor Gavin Newsom. In Los Angeles, reality TV star Spencer Pratt has made headlines with a competitive mayoral bid against incumbent Karen Bass, highlighting local issues such as wildfires and homelessness.
As voters across the nation participate in this critical primary day, the outcomes will significantly shape the political landscape leading into November’s elections.
