Primary elections in New York, Colorado and Utah today will play a massive role in deciding what the House and Senate will look like next year. Here’s what we’re watching:
Can Bowman fend off Latimer and AIPAC?
Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-N.Y.) could become the first Squad member to lose reelection. Bowman is facing a spirited primary challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a seasoned local politician who has capitalized on Bowman’s vulnerabilities in New York’s 16th District.
AIPAC’s super PAC has spent nearly $15 million in ads to unseat Bowman, who has attracted controversy with his outspoken anti-Israel views. This is the most expensive primary in U.S. history in an overwhelmingly Democratic district.
What Republican will replace Romney in Utah?
There is a crowded Republican primary in Utah to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Mitt Romney. Rep. John Curtis (R-Utah) is leading in the polls over Trent Staggs, the mayor of Riverton who received former President Donald Trump’s backing. If Curtis can prevail, it’ll be another sign Utah Republicans aren’t completely in lockstep with Trump.
Elsewhere in the Beehive State, newly elected Rep. Celeste Maloy (R-Utah) is seeking to fend off a right-wing primary challenge from Colby Jenkins. Jenkins is endorsed by Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah), while Trump is behind Maloy.
Can Boebert win reelection in a new district?
Rep. Lauren Boebert’s (R-Colo.) decision to run in the GOP primary in the seat vacated by former Rep. Ken Buck (R-Colo.) has improved her chances of staying in Congress. Boebert still has to navigate a crowded primary in Colorado’s 4th District, but she’s the favorite to advance and win a ruby-red seat.
Voters in the 4th District are also electing Buck’s short-term replacement. But the favorite, Republican Greg Lopez, isn’t running for a full term in November.
In Boebert’s old 3rd District, Democrats are trying to meddle in the Republican primary by boosting far-right candidate Ron Hanks.
Which Democrats will advance in competitive New York House seats?
In two battleground New York House districts — the 1st and the 22nd — Democrats are locked in competitive primaries. In Rep. Nick LaLota’s (R-N.Y.) Long Island seat, former CNN anchor John Avlon is running against educator Nancy Goroff.
In the 22nd District, represented by Rep. Brandon Williams (R-N.Y.), Air Force veteran Sarah Klee Hood is up against state Sen. John Mannion. President Joe Biden won in both districts in 2020.
Want more Election 2024 coverage? Keep an eye out for a special edition of The Tally in your inboxes later this morning. We delve into the tricky relationship between Democratic leadership and Bowman in the run-up to today’s key race; provide exclusive details on how Senate GOP leadership candidates are spending their summers and much more.
— Max Cohen
