Delaware voters are set to head to the polls on Tuesday for the final primary of the 2026 election cycle. This marks the end of a primary season that has seen notable victories for progressive and socialist candidates who have outperformed Democratic establishment figures. President Donald Trump’s influence remains significant in Republican contests, although there have been some setbacks.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons and state Attorney General Kathy Jennings are both facing primary challengers, while Democratic Representative Sarah McBride is running unopposed. They are all gearing up for the general election, where Republicans aim to end the Democrats’ dominance in statewide offices in Delaware.
This primary season has notably shaken up the Democratic Party, as left-wing candidates, often backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), have won and even unseated veteran incumbents. Last year, socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shook things up by winning a Democratic primary and subsequently the general election in a city known for its progressive stance.
A series of influencing victories for left-leaning candidates continued in June, with the Democratic establishment losing to rivals like DSA member Melat Kiros, who defeated 15-term incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette of Colorado, and Darializa Avila Chevalier, who ousted five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat in New York.
In August, the trend continued, with significant statewide Senate wins by Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, and state Rep. Angie Nixon in Florida. However, there were setbacks, like Francesca Hong’s loss in Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary. Overall, the left has gained substantial traction, with many victorious candidates advocating for abolishing ICE, reducing military assistance to Israel, and supporting a single-payer health system.
Longtime Democratic strategist Joe Caiazzo noted that progressives have developed a coalition and message that resonates well, providing an alternative to the status quo. He emphasized the need for progressives to field serious and credible candidates who are approachable to voters.
On the Republican side, Trump recently touted his influence on social media, claiming his endorsements are stronger than ever. Reports indicate that he remains a powerful figure in GOP nomination battles, achieving a perfect record in Senate primaries and almost complete success in House nominations this cycle.
Moreover, Trump has significantly transformed the Republican Party, with populist factions like MAGA and America First becoming prominent, overshadowing traditional fiscal and social conservatives. Yet, despite having a firm grip on party politics, Trump has faced some defeats, with several of his gubernatorial endorsements failing in primaries this year.
According to GOP strategist Ryan Williams, while Trump’s endorsements carry substantial weight, they do not guarantee victory for candidates facing underlying campaign issues. He added that the Republican primary landscape has drawn to a close with Delaware’s primary, following a season that began on March 3.
Coons, who is seeking a third Senate term, is facing challenges from a handful of lesser-known candidates. Meanwhile, former state Sen. Michael Katz and U.S. Army Reserves Col. John Shulli are vying for the Republican nomination. McBride is unopposed, looking to secure a second term, while Jennings faces competition from two candidates representing the Democratic side. For Republicans, David Graham stands unchallenged.
