Voters across several states and the nation's capital will head to the polls this week as the United States takes another step toward the crucial November midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. The midterms also serve as a referendum on President Donald Trump's second term, with the Republican leader struggling with sinking approval ratings amid a costly confrontation with Iran that has stoked public anxiety over the cost of living.
The primaries, which select each party's candidate for the general election, will be held in Alabama, California, Georgia, Oklahoma and Washington DC.
Alabama: Voters will choose a Republican nominee to replace Senator Tommy Tuberville, who opted to run for governor. The two candidates advancing to a runoff are Jared Hudson, a former Navy SEAL, and Representative Barry Moore, who is backed by Trump. In the first round, Moore won 39% of the vote to Hudson's 26%. Democrats will pick between Dakarai Larriett, a pet aromatherapy entrepreneur, and Everett Wess, a former city judge. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday).
California: A special primary will fill the House seat vacated by former Representative Eric Swalwell, who resigned amid sexual misconduct allegations. Leading candidates include State Senator Aisha Wahab (Democrat), former Dublin Mayor Melissa Hernandez (Democrat), and real estate investor Wendy Huang (Republican). California uses an open primary system in which all candidates run regardless of party. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time (14:00 GMT Tuesday to 03:00 GMT Wednesday).
Georgia: Primaries will be held for Senate and governor. Incumbent Senator Jon Ossoff (Democrat) is running for reelection, facing Republican challengers Representative Mike Collins and former football coach Derek Dooley. In the governor's race, Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, backed by Trump and outgoing Governor Brian Kemp, will face health care executive Rick Jackson. The winner will face Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms (Democrat) in the general election. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (11:00 GMT to 23:00 GMT).
Oklahoma: A series of federal and state primaries will take place, most notably the race to succeed term-limited Governor Kevin Stitt. Nine Republican candidates include Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former Public Safety Secretary Chip Keating, former State Senator Mike Mazzei (backed by Trump), and former House Speaker Charles McCall. Democrats will choose between House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and former State Senator Connie Johnson. Another closely watched race will fill the Senate seat of Markwayne Mullin, appointed by Trump as Homeland Security Secretary, with Representative Kevin Hern (Republican) and attorney Jim Priest (Democrat) leading in fundraising. Voters will also decide on a minimum wage increase proposal (State Question 832). Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time (12:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday).
Washington DC: Citywide primaries will be held for multiple municipal and federal offices. The Democratic mayoral race features a contest between Councilmember Janeese Lewis George, backed by progressives, and Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, endorsed by outgoing Mayor Muriel Bowser and the national Democratic Party. Trump has threatened to federalize the city if Lewis George wins. The city will also elect a non-voting delegate to Congress. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time (11:00 GMT Tuesday to 00:00 GMT Wednesday).
