Primaries held on Tuesday in New Jersey and Iowa have created a potential shift in various races that may influence control of the House and Senate in the upcoming fall elections.
While the California mayoral election has drawn significant attention, the political landscape in both the Garden State and Hawkeye State is evolving, revealing trends that could impact the midterms.
Here are four notable takeaways:
Trump’s Support Record Faces a Setback
In a surprising turn, Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra lost to businessman Zach Rahn in the Iowa Republican gubernatorial primary, marking a rare defeat for a candidate he endorsed.
Heading into the primaries, Trump had maintained an unblemished record supporting 118 Republican candidates across House, Senate, and gubernatorial races. However, Feenstra, who received Trump’s endorsement just before the primary, was trailing Rahn by a narrow margin when he conceded.
Establishment Democrats Prevail in Iowa Senate Primary
The race for Iowa’s open Senate seat has intensified following state Rep. Josh Turek’s victory over leftist contender Zach Walls in the Democratic primary. Turek, a former Paralympic athlete, is now set to challenge Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson in November.
His win has shifted perceptions of the race from “likely” Republican to a more competitive scenario, according to the nonpartisan Cook Political Report.
Another Squad-endorsed Democrat Looks to Congress
Adam Hamawi, a former combat surgeon and Egyptian immigrant supported by prominent progressive figures known as “The Squad,” topped the votes in a packed Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District. He is anticipated to have the upper hand against Republican primary victor Greg Mele in the general election.
Hamawi’s campaign faced scrutiny due to historical ties to controversial figures, but he has managed to maintain momentum. His win follows that of state Rep. Chris Love in Pennsylvania, who also received backing from far-left representatives.
Keene Wins Republican Primary Yet Remains Out of Sight
Rep. Tom Kean (R-N.J.) won his uncontested primary, though he has not been seen since March. He pledged to be open about his health ahead of the election but did not follow through on election night.
Kean mentioned he is focusing on recovery and plans to gradually shift from virtual to in-person work. He has teased that he will fully disclose the specifics of his condition soon.
In November, Kean will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett, who secured the District 7 primary with a commanding lead. The upcoming race is anticipated to be closely contested, according to the Cook Political Report.
