On Tuesday, Wisconsin voters will participate in primary elections to choose candidates for some of the state’s most significant races coming up in the fall. The Republican primary will determine a challenger against incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin. Additionally, primaries for two U.S. House districts are of particular interest as they could impact the balance of power in Congress.
The state legislature, currently controlled by Republicans, is also up for grabs with almost two-thirds of the Assembly seats open. Democratic Governor Tony Evers signed new legislative maps this year, suggesting a potential reshaping of the legislature post-November elections.
The Senate race in Wisconsin is anticipated to be crucial in determining the majority in the chamber come November. Incumbent Baldwin faces nominal opposition in the Democratic primary, while Republican businessman Eric Hovde, backed by former President Donald Trump, has injected $13 million into his campaign, allowing him to run attack ads against Baldwin even before the primary voting.
Two noteworthy U.S. House primaries to watch include a Democratic showdown in the 3rd Congressional District and a Republican contest in the 8th Congressional District. The races are significant as they involve candidates with varied endorsements and fundraising capacities.
Wisconsin, known for its tight election margins in recent years, expects another competitive election season. Additionally, voters will decide on two constitutional amendments aimed at restricting the governor’s ability to spend federal funds without legislative approval.
During the primary elections, the Associated Press will cover 59 contested races, including the U.S. Senate and U.S. House primaries, state Senate, state Assembly, and two statewide ballot issues. The contentious races are primarily expected around the constitutional amendments, with Republican lawmakers supporting them, and Democrats opposing.
Turnout and advanced voting have been notable in Wisconsin, with over 200,000 ballots already cast before election day. Election results in the state have historically been prompt, with nearly 88% of total votes counted by the end of the night during recent presidential primaries.
As the November general election approaches, the political landscape in Wisconsin is gaining traction, setting the stage for crucial decisions in both state and federal races.
