After a brief hiatus, the 2026 primary season is kicking off with significant activity. In May, a dozen states across the country will conduct primary or runoff elections, and the results could be pivotal for the upcoming midterms, especially as Republicans are working to maintain their slim majorities in both the Senate and House.
Key races will also test President Trump’s substantial sway within the Republican Party, as his backing in important contests is scrutinized.
Beginning on May 5, Indiana and Ohio will mark the start of the primaries, followed by Nebraska and West Virginia a week later on May 12. Louisiana’s contest takes place on May 16, and then on May 19, primaries will occur in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania, making it the busiest single day of the month. Texas will wrap up May with runoff elections set for the 26th.
Looking more closely at the races, the initial contest in Indiana will reveal a lot about President Trump’s hold on the party. Five months ago, Indiana’s GOP-controlled state Senate resisted pressure to reject a redistricting plan that would have boosted the state’s right-wing House seats ahead of the midterms. Seeking retribution for this, Trump is rallying support against state senators who voted against his wishes.
Allies of the president have invested millions to challenge these lawmakers, with advocacy groups backing these efforts, including the political arm of Turning Point USA.
In Ohio, the scene is a bit calmer. Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech entrepreneur and former presidential hopeful, is almost guaranteed the Republican gubernatorial nomination in his state. He’s backed by Trump and will be up against Dr. Amy Acton, an established candidate in the Democratic primary.
The Republican primary for the Ohio Senate is similarly uneventful, with Jon Husted running unopposed. However, Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown is anticipated to contend again, creating a competitive atmosphere.
Moving to Louisiana on May 16, Senator Bill Cassidy faces challenges from two Republicans, bolstered by Trump’s endorsement of one, Julia Letlow. Cassidy was one of only a few Senate Republicans to vote against Trump back in 2021, which has made his re-election more complex.
As for the May 19 races, Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th District encounters opposition from Trump-backed Ed Gallane, while Trump’s influence is also being tested in the gubernatorial race in Georgia, where the Lieutenant Governor Bert Jones is running against Rick Jackson, who’s poured considerable personal funds into his campaign.
On the Senate side in Georgia, Republicans are eager to unseat freshman Senator Jon Ossoff, perceived as vulnerable. However, his established presence in the region poses a challenge for any contender.
Finally, on May 26, Texas sees a runoff between incumbent Republican Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Trump ally. Their primary was close enough that neither secured over 50% of the votes, leading to this rematch. The upcoming November election could hinge on this contest, as Democrats like James Talarico are gaining momentum.
Overall, as the primary season unfolds, these races will likely shape the political landscape heading into the midterms, with Trump’s influence and alignment with various candidates being closely monitored.
