Republican North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum has emerged as a top contender to be former President Donald Trump’s running mate. However, the two are at odds in a contentious and expensive race on Tuesday. Burgum, who unsuccessfully ran for president, chose not to run for a third term this year, sparking a competitive primary between Lt. Gov. Tammy Miller and Rep. Kelly Armstrong. Burgum backs Miller, while Trump supports Armstrong.
South Carolina Primaries
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s revenge tour kicks off today as South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, one of the eight Republicans who voted to oust him, faces a primary competitor. Additionally, another Republican faces a primary challenge from the right in a safe GOP seat, illustrating intraparty divisions.
Maine Primaries
In Maine, State Reps. Austin Theriault and Mike Soboleski compete for the GOP nomination to challenge Democratic Rep. Jared Golden in the battleground 2nd District. Theriault benefits from major national support, including Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and substantial fundraising advantages. However, Conservative Outsider PAC has recently spent significant amounts in support of Soboleski.
Independent Sen. Angus King is up for reelection, although he won’t appear on the primary ballot due to his party affiliation. Republican Demi Kouzounas and Democrat David Costello are both uncontested.
Nevada Primaries
Establishment Republicans face a test in the crowded GOP primary to challenge Democratic Sen. Jacky Rosen. The National Republican Senatorial Committee backs Army veteran Sam Brown, who received a last-minute endorsement from Trump, impacting Jeff Gunter’s campaign. Gunter is largely self-funding his bid and has claimed the anti-establishment lane.
Republicans are also competing to unseat three vulnerable House Democrats: Reps. Dina Titus, Susie Lee, and Steven Horsford. The race for Lee’s 3rd District has been the most eventful, with Marty O’Donnell emerging as a key contender. In the 1st District, restaurant chain owner Flemming Larsen has a financial edge, while in the 4th District, former North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee, endorsed by Trump, faces Air Force veteran David Flippo and businessperson Bruce Frazey.
North Dakota Primaries
In North Dakota, Trump and Burgum, despite their gubernatorial endorsement differences, both support Public Service Commissioner Julie Fedorchak for the state’s open at-large House seat. Fedorchak’s main opponent is former state Rep. Rick Becker, supported by the Club for Growth and the House Freedom Fund.
In the gubernatorial race, Armstrong and Miller have spent over $5 million on advertisements, often attacking each other. Armstrong benefits from the state Republican Party endorsement and his name recognition from previous statewide campaigns.
South Carolina’s Key Races
Two incumbents face challenges in South Carolina. Rep. Nancy Mace, who voted to oust McCarthy, faces a primary challenge from Catherine Templeton and Bill Young. Outside groups have spent over $4 million against Mace, but she has Trump’s support. In the 4th District, Rep. William Timmons faces state Rep. Adam Morgan from the right, with Timmons also backed by Trump.
Ohio Special Election
In Ohio’s 6th District, voters will choose their next representative. Republican state Sen. Michael Rulli is the favorite to succeed former Rep. Bill Johnson in this safe GOP seat. Democrat Michael Kripchak is also vying for the seat, and the two will compete again in the November general election.
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