Ilhan Omar seeks reelection as Wisconsin Senate race heats up: Key primary races to keep an eye on
On Tuesday, voters in four states are heading to the polls for House and Senate primaries, including a significant election that could impact the future of Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar.
This election season, many are closely watching Omar’s reelection attempt, especially as two of her fellow “Squad” members lost their primary challenges to more moderate Democrats due to the party’s growing divide over U.S. support for Israel.
However, other competitive races are also taking place in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Connecticut, and Vermont as the election cycle intensifies.
Wisconsin is expected to feature some of the most contested primaries. Voters in certain areas will select the Democrat who will face Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden in the general election, alongside a closely watched GOP contest for the state’s 8th District.
Here’s a summary of some crucial races to pay attention to nationwide.
Minnesota
In Minnesota’s 5th District, former Minneapolis City Council member Don Samuels is vying against Omar. They previously faced each other in a close primary two years ago, and they will clash again this time.
Samuels contends that Omar, known for her strong criticisms of Israel, may be too polarizing for the district. Given that two other members of the Squad—Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush—lost their bids earlier this summer, it’s uncertain if Omar can secure another win.
Nevertheless, Omar has significantly outperformed Samuels in fundraising and has invested much more in advertising in her district. Notably, pro-Israel groups, which previously supported candidates opposing Bowman and Bush, are not involved in Omar’s campaign, which may benefit her chances.
Omar’s primary election is not the only one attracting attention. The race for Minnesota’s 2nd District is crucial as Republicans and Democrats vie for control of the House this fall. Rep. Angie Craig is aiming for reelection from a district known to be highly competitive.
In the GOP primary for the district, there are technically two candidates, but one of them, attorney Tayler Rahm, is no longer running as he’s now a senior advisor to former President Donald Trump’s campaign. Marine veteran and prosecutor Joe Teirab remains in the race, bolstered by Trump’s endorsement.
In the 3rd District, Democrat Kelly Morrison and Republican Tad Jude are running unopposed in their party primaries.
Wisconsin
Three Democrats are competing to take on Van Orden in Wisconsin’s 3rd District. State Rep. Katrina Shankland, small business owner Rebecca Cooke, and Eau Claire County Democrats member Eric Wilson are the candidates. Shankland and Cooke have raised substantially more funds than Wilson, and they have exchanged criticisms ahead of the primary.
In a unique situation, Republican voters in the 8th District must choose candidates to fulfill both the uncompleted term of Rep. Mike Gallagher and to start a full term in January. They are selecting among State Sen. André Jacque, former State Sen. Roger Roth, and businessman Tony Wied for both positions.
Meanwhile, GOP voters across Wisconsin are determining who will face Democrat Sen. Tammy Baldwin in November. Businessman Eric Hovde is in the lead, but he must first defeat farmer and Santa Claus impersonator Charles Barman, along with Rejani Raveendran, chair of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point College Republicans, to officially secure the position for Wisconsin’s Senate race.
Connecticut
In Connecticut’s 4th District, Tea Party activist Bob MacGuffie and doctor Michael Goldstein are competing in the Republican primary to challenge Democratic Rep. Jim Himes this fall. Himes is expected to retain his seat, which is generally regarded as secure.
Republican voters in the state have a choice between Matt Corey, a former Navy member and entrepreneur, and Gerry Smith, the first selectman of Beacon Falls, to take on Democrat Sen. Chris Murphy in the upcoming general election. Murphy is anticipated to overcome his Republican opponent this fall as he aims for a new six-year term in the Senate.
In the 5th District, both Republican George Logan, a former Connecticut state senator, and Democratic Rep. Jahana Hayes are running unopposed in their respective primaries, setting up a likely matchup this November.
Vermont
Sen. Bernie Sanders, age 82, is aiming for his fourth term in the Senate and is running uncontested in his independent primary in Vermont. In the general election, he is predicted to face Republican Gerald Malloy, who also has no competition in his party’s primary.
Rep. Becca Balint, who represents Vermont’s at-large district in the House, is likely to confront Republican Mark Coester in the general election. He is also running unopposed in his primary this week.
Democrats are expected to emerge victorious this fall in this traditionally blue state.
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