Primaries

Gavin Newsom drew large crowds during a swing through New Hampshire, promising a Democratic "blue tsunami" in the midterms. But the visit also exposed skepticism among some of the state's influential Democrats about his viability as a future presidential contender. Former Rep. Annie Kuster, a longtime Pete Buttigieg backer, said she was unsure what would draw New Hampshire voters to Newsom, calling him "flashy" and questioning whether his record as California governor addresses concerns like cost of living and distrust of Washington. The episode underscores early, informal jockeying among Democrats ahead of the 2028 presidential primary, with New Hampshire's first-in-the-nation status drawing heightened attention to such visits.

Idaho, one of the most reliably Republican states in the country, is experiencing an intensifying internal party conflict between traditional conservatives and a growing far-right faction. The state's rapid population growth, driven largely by migration from other red states, has pushed its politics further rightward. Groups like the Idaho Freedom Foundation have targeted sitting Republican lawmakers deemed insufficiently conservative, successfully ousting several through censure campaigns and primary challenges.

The fight has real economic stakes: Idaho's roughly $4 billion cattle and dairy industry relies heavily on immigrant labor, and hardline anti-immigration positions pushed by far-right legislators have created labor shortages for farmers and ranchers. In response, more moderate voters ousted several hardline incumbents in this year's GOP primaries. Longtime Republicans describe feeling "politically homeless" as newer arrivals push a more combative, ideologically rigid brand of conservatism. Idaho hasn't backed a Democratic presidential candidate since 1964, making the dispute a purely intra-party struggle over the GOP's future direction in deep-red territory.

Rhode Island voters headed to the polls to decide primary contests that will shape the state's general election ballot in November. The marquee race is the Democratic gubernatorial primary, where incumbent Dan McKee faced challenger Helena Foulkes, who had been leading in pre-election polling. Republicans chose between Aaron Guckian and Elaine Pelino for their nomination.

Other significant contests included the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor, where Sabina Matos faced four challengers, and the race to succeed term-limited Attorney General Peter Neronha, with four Democrats competing for the nomination. In Providence, Mayor Brett Smiley faced a primary challenge from state Rep. David Morales, a notable test since no sitting Providence mayor has ever lost a primary; a recent poll suggested a close contest. Pawtucket and Woonsocket also held mayoral primaries, alongside various congressional and General Assembly races. Nearly 49,000 voters had already cast ballots early or by mail ahead of polling day. Primary winners advance to the November 3 general election.

Sen. Ed Markey, 80, has defeated Rep. Seth Moulton, 47, in Massachusetts' Democratic Senate primary, turning back a generational-change challenge to secure his party's nomination for a third full term. Moulton, a Marine veteran and moderate, argued Markey's decades in Washington hadn't delivered results, while Markey rallied progressives by citing his 2022 climate legislation and backing from Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Moulton also faced criticism over 2024 remarks on transgender athletes, which he apologized for; in his concession speech he pledged to support Markey and said his campaign had started necessary conversations. Markey, who beat Joe Kennedy III in 2020, now advances as the favorite against Republican John Deaton, who was unopposed in his primary and previously lost to Warren by about 20 points, and Markey says he won't seek a fourth term if reelected.

Similar generational contests played out down-ballot: Rep. Stephen Lynch, 71, defeated attorney Patrick Roath, 39, in the 8th District, and Rep. Richard Neal, 77, defeated progressive teacher Jeromie Whalen, 39, in the 1st District, with older incumbents prevailing in both races. A crowded six-way race also continues to replace Moulton in the 6th District, led by Dan Koh and state Rep. Tram Nguyen. Because Massachusetts leans heavily Democratic, these primaries effectively decide the general election winners in November.