Primaries Set Stage for November Elections in Key States

Tuesday’s primaries in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Connecticut, and Vermont are poised to shape the competitive landscape for the upcoming House and Senate elections in November. While the primaries lack significant drama, they mark the official commencement of the general election season, particularly in Wisconsin, a crucial battleground state for Democrats aiming to maintain their slim Senate majority. Businessman Eric Hovde, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, is anticipated to advance in the Republican primary, positioning him to challenge Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin. In addition to Baldwin, three other senators—Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, and Bernie Sanders of Vermont—will learn their GOP challengers, although their races are not expected to be highly competitive. The primaries will also determine matchups for several notable House seats, as Republicans strive to defend their narrow majority. Notably, Rep. Bryan Steil is expected to face former Democratic Rep. Peter Barca, while multiple Democrats are vying to challenge Rep. Derrick Van Orden. Two potentially vulnerable House Democrats, Angie Craig of Minnesota and Jahana Hayes of Connecticut, will also discover their Republican opponents. Hayes is likely to face a rematch against former state Senator George Logan, whom she narrowly defeated in 2022. In Minnesota’s 2nd District, Trump-backed Marine veteran Joe Teirab is the leading candidate in the GOP primary against Craig, while Rep. Michelle Fischbach in the 7th District is leveraging her Trump endorsement despite not securing the state party’s backing.