US Primary Results: Key Takeaways from Elections in Kentucky, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Idaho and Oregon | Today’s news

Primary elections across the state highlighted two parallel trends: Republican races increasingly shaped by Trump-aligned candidates and tests of ideological loyalty, and Democrats focused on consolidating swing-districts ahead of a competitive House battle in November. Voter-driven issues, such as taxes and affordability, meanwhile, continued to heavily influence voter outcomes.

Here are the key takeaways from the primary elections held in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon and Pennsylvania.

In Kentucky, Trump-backed Gallrein beats Massie in GOP primary

In Kentucky, Donald Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein defeated longtime Republican Rep. Thomas Massie in a closely watched and costly GOP primary for the 4th Congressional District.

Gallrein won 55% to Massie’s 45%, according to Decision Desk headquarters, in a race that became one of the costliest House primaries in history with about $33 million spent. A former Navy SEAL and political novice, Gallrein campaigned on loyalty to Trump and a promise to reliably support the president’s agenda. Massie, a libertarian-leaning fiscal hawk and frequent Trump critic, conceded when he warned against money-driven primaries.

Separately, Rep. Andy Barr won the Republican primary for a Senate seat that should remain in GOP hands.

The Georgia primaries are heading to the second round

In Georgia, both the Republican gubernatorial and U.S. Senate primaries moved to a June 16 runoff after no candidate crossed the majority threshold.

In the Senate race, former college football coach Derek Dooley will face Rep. Mike Collins after ousting Rep. Buddy Carter. The winner will challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in a key battleground contest.

Governor, Lt. Gov. Burt Jones will face Health Care Executive Rick Jackson in a costly and ideologically divided GOP contest. On the Democratic side, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms secured the nomination.

Democrats elected Jasmine Clarke in the 13th District, while Republicans largely held incumbents and moved several contests to runoffs.

Pennsylvania Democrats endorsed the Shapiro-backed swing District

In Pennsylvania, Democrats, along with Gov. Josh Shapiro, secured key congressional nominations in swing districts targeted by Republican flips.

Janelle Stelson, Bob Harvie and Bob Brooks won their primaries with Shapiro and the DCCC’s support, defeating progressive challengers or crowded fields. Those candidates will now compete for Republican-held seats that could decide control of the US House.

In Philadelphia, state Rep. Chris Rabb won the Democratic nomination in a safe seat and is expected to head to Congress unopposed by Republicans.

Alabama GOP clears way for Tuberville’s gubernatorial bid

In Alabama, Sen. Tommy Tuberville won the Republican primary for governor, making him the heavy favorite in the general election against former Democratic Sen. Doug Jones.

The victory will set up a rematch of their 2020 Senate contest, which Tuberville won comfortably. Republicans remain heavily favored in the governor’s race.

The GOP Senate primary to replace Tuberville is headed for a showdown between Trump-backed Rep. Barry Moore and either Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall or ex-Navy SEAL Jared Hudson. Democrats will also choose a nominee in a separate round.

The Idaho Primaries set up November’s gubernatorial and Senate races

In Idaho, Republican Gov. Brad Little secured renomination and will face Democrat Terri Pickens in November.

Sen. Jim Risch also won his GOP primary and will face Democrat David Roth in a race expected to remain solidly Republican.

In the 1st Congressional District, Democrat Kaylee Peterson clinched the nomination, with most House contests confirming expected general election matchups.

Read also | Georgia Democrat Jasmine Clark wins primary to succeed late U.S. Rep. David Scott

Oregon voters reject gas tax hike

In Oregon, voters rejected a 6-cent gas tax increase passed by Democratic lawmakers, gutting a key transportation funding measure.

The repeal was prompted by voter concerns about affordability and rising fuel costs, marking a setback for Democratic fiscal reports.

At the same time, Democrats secured key nominations, including Governor Tina Kotek and Senator Jeff Merkley, setting up general election contests against Republican challengers, including Christine Drazan in the governor’s race.

In Oregon’s 5th Congressional District, Rep. Janelle Bynum will face Republican Patti Adair in one of the most competitive House races in the state.

Read also | Massie loses Kentucky primary to Ed Gallrein in another Trump victory