West Virginia and Maryland Primaries Influence Senate Race
Primary elections in Maryland and West Virginia on Tuesday will have significant implications for the Senate majority in the upcoming fall. President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are looking to make their mark in low-stakes presidential primaries, while further down the ballot, congressional candidates from different sides of the 2021 Capitol attack highlight the divided nature of the nation.
Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia are hosting statewide primary elections where Republicans and Democrats are choosing their nominees for the fall. The Senate primaries in Maryland and West Virginia are particularly crucial, as they could impact the control of Congress’ upper chamber.
In Maryland, Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan is expected to win the state’s GOP Senate primary, despite his criticisms of Trump. On the Democratic side, Rep. David Trone is engaged in a competitive race against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
In West Virginia, the Republican Senate primary will likely determine the replacement for retiring Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin. Republican Gov. Jim Justice and U.S. Rep. Alex Mooney are the leading candidates, with Justice receiving Trump’s endorsement.
Democrats in West Virginia are choosing between Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott and Marine Corps veteran Zach Shrewsbury for the Senate race.
The gubernatorial candidates in West Virginia include Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and several others vying for the Republican nomination, while Huntington Mayor Steve Williams is unopposed on the Democrat side.
The presidential primaries in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia are expected to solidify Biden and Trump’s nominations, with protest votes likely to demonstrate dissatisfaction among voters.
Tuesday’s elections also feature candidates involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, including Derrick Evans in West Virginia and former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn in Maryland.
Overall, the primaries in these states are crucial in shaping the political landscape leading up to the fall elections.
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