2026 US primaries: Key races to watch in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon and Idaho | Today’s news

Voters in six US states — Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon and Idaho — are heading to the polls in critical primaries that could sway control of Congress, test President Donald Trump’s dominance of the Republican Party and reshape the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterms and 2028 presidential race.

The election features high-profile battles involving Trump-backed candidates, intra-party divisions, redistricting disputes and emerging national figures.

Kentucky primary: Trump-backed challenge to Thomas Massie

Kentucky’s Republican primary is among Tuesday’s most closely watched contests as Rep. Thomas Massie faces a direct challenge from Trump-backed newcomer Ed Gallrein.

Massie has often disagreed with Trump on major issues, including the Jeffrey Epstein files, US involvement in Iran and Trump’s tax legislation. Trump’s endorsement of Gallrein is widely seen as an effort to punish Republican dissent within the party.

The race has become a major test of whether Republican voters will remain loyal to Trump over longtime incumbents. Recent elections suggest that candidates who publicly oppose Trump continue to struggle in GOP primaries across the country.

Pennsylvania primary: Josh Shapiro faces political test

Pennsylvania’s primary is critical for both parties as Democrats attempt to flip Republican-held congressional seats seen as critical to regaining control of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Governor Josh Shapiro aggressively campaigned for his preferred Democratic candidates, including Paige Cognetti, Bob Brooks and Janelle Stelson.

The results are being watched closely as an indicator of Shapiro’s political influence and possible national ambitions ahead of the 2028 presidential election.

Republican incumbents in target districts remain largely unchallenged in their primaries, giving the party a united front heading into November.

Georgia primary: Trump’s allies and critics clash

The Georgia election highlights the political divide between Republicans loyal to Trump and those who have opposed his bid to overturn the 2020 election.

Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who resisted Trump’s push for the 2020 election, is seeking the Republican nomination for governor. Former Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan, another Trump critic, is running as a Democrat.

Trump endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones in the Republican gubernatorial race where billionaire businessman Rick Jackson spent more than $83 million of his own money.

Georgia’s Senate race is also drawing national attention as Republicans vie for the chance to challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November.

If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, the race will head to a runoff on June 16.

Alabama primary: Redistricting chaos creates confusion

Alabama’s primary election is being held amid major confusion following Gov. Kay Ivey’s decision to delay voting in four congressional districts until August following legal disputes over district maps.

Votes cast Tuesday in Alabama’s 1st, 2nd, 6th and 7th congressional districts are expected to be invalid as the state redraws district lines following a recent Supreme Court ruling that affected the Voting Rights Act.

Civil rights groups strongly criticized the move, arguing that Republicans were trying to weaken majority-black districts to gain political advantage.

Despite the uncertainty, voting continues as scheduled in the 3rd, 4th and 5th districts, along with state Senate and local races.

Trump endorsed Rep. Barry Moore in the Alabama Senate to replace outgoing Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is running for governor.

Oregon primary: Democrats are going through internal divisions

In Oregon, the Democratic primary is focused on voter turnout, progressive activism and intra-party divisions between moderate and left-leaning candidates.

Although Oregon remains a Democratic-leaning state, party strategists are watching voter enthusiasm ahead of the general election. Legislative races are expected to reveal how progressive issues such as health care, housing and climate policy shape the priorities of Democratic voters.

Republicans remain out of luck statewide, but hope economic concerns can improve their competitiveness in suburban areas.

Idaho primary: Conservative battles dominate GOP contests

Idaho’s primary election centers on ideological battles within the Republican Party, with establishment conservatives facing challenges from harder-line Trump candidates.

As one of the most Republican states in Idaho, the key political battles take place almost entirely within the GOP. The candidates debate education policy, government spending, federal land issues and immigration.

Political observers are watching to see if Trump-backed candidates continue to dominate even in deeply conservative regions where internal Republican divisions are becoming more pronounced.

National implications for 2026 and beyond

Six state primaries provide an early snapshot of America’s political direction ahead of the 2026 midterms.

Trump’s continued influence on Republican voters, Democratic concerns about leadership and turnout, and legal battles over voting rights and district lines are emerging as defining themes of the election cycle.

Read also | Pennsylvania 2026 Primary: Complete Guide to Timings, Rules & Voting Results