Tennessee and Hawaii Hold Key Midterm Primaries as GOP Eyes Clean Sweep
Al Jazeera Staff
Voters in Tennessee and Hawaii headed to the polls on August 6 for midterm primaries. Tennessee Republicans aim for a clean sweep after redistricting, while Hawaii's Democratic incumbents face multiple challengers.
On August 6 (local time), voters in the U.S. states of Tennessee and Hawaii went to the polls for midterm primary elections, selecting their party's candidates for the November general election.
In Tennessee, the election unfolded as Republicans sought to consolidate their position following significant changes to the state's electoral map. A previous U.S. Supreme Court ruling weakened protections for minority voters, prompting Tennessee's legislature to redraw congressional districts, splitting a predominantly African American area—the only one represented by a Democrat.
With this change, Republicans expect to win all nine of the state's congressional districts. Meanwhile, conservative Senator Marsha Blackburn is working to overcome rivals to secure the party's nomination for governor, succeeding Bill Lee. Democrats are also selecting candidates for the governorship and an open Senate seat, though their chances of victory are considered slim.
Tennessee: Redistricting Reshapes Political Landscape
Polling places in Tennessee opened at varying times by county. Eastern Time Zone areas closed at 8 p.m. (midnight GMT), while Central Time Zone areas closed at 7 p.m. (11 p.m. GMT).
The most notable race is the Republican primary for governor and the 9th Congressional District. This district was previously a Democratic stronghold with a majority African American electorate, but after the map was redrawn, it now includes only part of Memphis and expands into affluent suburbs and rural areas, favoring Republicans.
Representative Steve Cohen, who had represented the area for years, withdrew from the race. Meanwhile, state Representative Justin Pearson, who rose to prominence after being temporarily suspended for participating in a 2023 gun law protest, faces several Democratic challengers, including state Senator London Lamar and healthcare executive Jim Torino. Pearson remains the top fundraiser and has called the redistricting a "tool of white supremacy." Key campaign issues include an AI data center in suburban Memphis, healthcare access, and raising the minimum wage.
In Tennessee, former President Donald Trump continues to test his political influence by endorsing state Senator Brent Taylor, a former funeral home owner who calls himself a "Make America Great Again" advocate. Taylor competes against state Representative Todd Warner, former Army sergeant Jeremy Thompson, and candidate Charlotte Bergmann. Six Republican incumbents face no primary opposition and are virtually assured victory in November.
On the Democratic side, they hope to spring a surprise in the 5th District, where Republican incumbent Representative Andy Ogles is seen as more vulnerable after redistricting. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has backed Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder.
In the Senate race, incumbent Senator Bill Hagerty has no primary challenger. Democrats hope for an upset, as the state hasn't elected a Democratic senator since 1995. Democratic candidates include environmental activist Marquita Bradshaw, former Democratic staffer Maria Brewer, and math teacher Civil Miller-Watkins.
In the gubernatorial race, Marsha Blackburn, closely aligned with Trump during her eight years in the Senate, seeks the nomination against state Representative Monty Fritts and Representative John Rose. Fritts has sparked controversy by proposing to ban mosques and "pagan religions" in the state. Trump has not endorsed anyone in this race.
Democrats have not held the Tennessee governorship for 17 years, but five candidates are running, including farm owner Tim Cyr, online pastor Kevin Lee McCants, and steel guitarist Adam Kurtz.
Hawaii: Incumbents Face Challenges
More than 6,900 kilometers from Tennessee, Hawaii voters also cast primary ballots on August 6. Polls were open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (5 a.m. to 5 p.m. GMT).
With only two congressional districts, both with Democratic majorities, incumbents Ed Case and Jill Tokuda each face three challengers. Case is considered more vulnerable. State Senator Jarrett Keohokalole accuses Case of not taking a strong stance on enforcing federal immigration laws in the state.
Two Republican candidates, Adriel Lam and state Senator Brenton Awa, face no primary opposition. Governor Joshua Green also leads the Democratic primary for a second term, competing against several other candidates.
