Voters head to the polls on Aug. 11 in several states, including South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Minnesota.
Key races will determine candidates for the 2026 midterms in November, which have seen a growing tension between two wings of the Democratic Party.
That tension is coming to the fore in Wisconsin, where there is a test of the power of democratic socialists in the Democratic gubernatorial race.
Meanwhile, Republicans are fighting to keep control of the Senate, where multiple members have decided not to run for reelection.
Sen. Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) unexpected death left a vacancy that was quickly filled by his sister, but could see a different replacement depending on how the primary shakes out on Tuesday.
Here are the key races to watch.
South Carolina
Graham’s sister, Darline Graham, is fighting to keep her brother’s seat, but is facing competition from multiple leading Republicans.
Rep. Ralph Norman (R-S.C.), Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.), and former Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.) are among the 10 Republican candidates seeking that seat.
His sister is set to serve the rest of his current term, which ends on Jan. 3, 2027.
President Donald Trump has endorsed her to take Lindsey Graham’s place after that period.
There will be a runoff on Aug. 25 of the top two vote-getters if no candidate gets a majority in the primary.
The winner will face doctor Annie Andrews, a Democrat, in November.
Darline Graham does not have a platform on her campaign website, but has cited her experience in state government in making the case that she should get six years in the Senate.
“Trust me, I have learned a lot already, so I think I have experience,” she told reporters.
Norman and Fry are running on conservative platforms that include securing the border, lowering the cost of living, protecting the Second Amendment, and confronting China.
Sanford’s biggest issue is the national debt and out-of-control spending in Washington.
Wisconsin
In the Badger State, state assemblymember Francesca Hong, who is running for governor, has come under fire for social media posts including calling for the canceling of Thanksgiving.
State Sen. Kelda Roys, former state assemblymember Brett Hulsey, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former Wisconsin Department of Administration Secretary Joel Brennan are also running for the Democratic nod.
Hong is the frontrunner in the race with a poll showing her up by 22 points.
A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, Hong has an extensive platform that includes supporting childcare providers, reducing healthcare costs, protecting renters, eliminating tax loopholes, and legalizing cannabis.
On the Republican side, Rep. Tom Tiffany (R-Wis.) is expected to win the primary against insignificant opposition.
Tiffany, who has been endorsed by Trump, has campaigned on lowering costs, protecting farmers, creating jobs, and implementing public safety measures.
The winner will succeed Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat who decided not to run for a third term.
Minnesota
The primaries for governor and Senate have garnered the most attention in the North Star State.
In the gubernatorial race, the Democratic field consists of Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and six other candidates.
Klobuchar, with the name recognition, is expected to win the primary.
The Republican primary includes businessman Mike Lindell, Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Lisa Demuth, healthcare technology executive Kendall Qualls, and four other candidates.
Klobuchar’s platform includes lowering costs, making government accountable, rooting out fraud, and expanding Minnesota’s rural and agricultural economy.
On the other side, Lindell is running on a “Buy Minnesota” push, growing the economy, cutting regulations for farmers, protecting the environment, having secure elections, and cutting fees and taxes.
A poll has Lindell up by six points over Demuth.
The winner will succeed Gov. Tim Walz, a Democrat, who elected not to run for reelection after coming under fire over welfare fraud schemes in Minnesota.
Over in the Senate races, there is a competitive Democratic primary between Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan and Rep. Angie Craig (D-Minn.).
A poll has Craig leading by 2 percentage points.
Flanagan and Craig are running on ending corruption in Washington and helping the middle class.
Michele Tafoya leads the Republican field that also includes former Navy SEAL Adam Schwarze, former NBA player Royce White, and six other candidates.
While Schwarze was endorsed by the Minnesota Republican Party, Tafoya is the prohibitive favorite, as a poll shows her up by 35 points over White while Schwarze has just 5 percent of the vote.
Tafoya campaigned on combating fraud, including by immigrants, implementing law and order, and cutting costs and taxes for the middle class.
The winner will succeed Sen. Tina Smith (D-Minn.), who declined to run for reelection.
Alabama
Alabama is hosting delayed primaries after the state implemented a controversial new congressional map earlier this year.
The decision led to the primary being delayed from May 19 to Aug. 11.
Of those districts, the race to watch will be in the 2nd Congressional District.
Six Republicans are running to challenge incumbent Democratic Rep. Shomari Figures.
They include state Rep. Rhett Marques, Army veteran Joshua McKee, and real estate broker Hampton Harris.
Trump has endorsed Marques.
Marques has run on making life affordable for Alabama families, growing the economy, standing up for veterans, securing the border, strengthening rural America, supporting Israel, and defending the Second Amendment.
