Republican voters in Georgia delivered a split decision on candidates backed by President Donald Trump on Tuesday, while Alabama Republicans selected their Senate nominee and several other states held closely watched primary contests that could influence the balance of power in Congress after November’s midterm elections.
The results highlight the ongoing influence of Trump within the Republican Party, while also revealing the limits of his endorsements in some high-profile races. The contests in Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Washington, D.C., marked another major milestone in a busy primary season that will continue through the summer.
Georgia Republicans Split on Trump-Backed Candidates
One of the most closely watched races took place in Georgia, where Republican Rep. Mike Collins secured victory after receiving Trump’s endorsement just two days before Election Day.
Collins defeated former football coach Derek Dooley in a race widely viewed as a proxy battle between Trump and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, who supported Dooley.
“The voters made their choice,” Collins said after the victory. The congressman, who has described himself as a “MAGA warrior,” will now challenge Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in one of the Republicans’ best opportunities to gain a Senate seat this year.
Meanwhile, the GOP gubernatorial race produced a different outcome for Trump’s political influence. Businessman and health care executive Rick Jackson defeated Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, despite Jones receiving Trump’s endorsement earlier in the campaign.
Jackson relied heavily on personal campaign spending, contributing approximately $83 million to fund a statewide advertising effort. He will face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms in the general election. If elected, Bottoms would become Georgia’s first Democratic governor in more than 20 years.
Alabama Republicans Choose Senate Nominee
In Alabama, Republican voters selected Rep. Barry Moore as their Senate nominee after he defeated former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson in a runoff election.
Both candidates emphasized their support for Trump throughout the campaign. However, Moore benefited from the president’s endorsement and his experience as a three-term congressman.
Unlike Georgia’s competitive Senate race, Alabama’s strongly Republican political landscape gives Moore a clear advantage heading into the general election.
Oklahoma Senate Race Takes Shape
Oklahoma’s Senate race gained national attention earlier this year after Trump appointed Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as homeland security secretary.
Following Mullin’s departure, Republican Rep. Kevin Hern emerged as the leading contender to fill the seat permanently. Hern defeated four opponents in the GOP primary, earning more than 50 percent of the vote and avoiding a runoff election.
Backed by Trump and several congressional Republicans, Hern now enters the general election as the favorite in the deeply Republican state.
Washington, D.C., Voters Choose New Leadership
Washington, D.C., also held important Democratic primaries for mayor and the district’s congressional representative.
D.C. Councilwoman Janeese Lewis George established an early lead in the mayoral contest over fellow candidate Kenyan R. McDuffie, according to results reported by The Washington Post. If elected, Lewis George would become the city’s first Democratic socialist mayor.
In addition, D.C. Council member Robert White Jr. won the Democratic primary for the district’s congressional seat, which is opening for the first time in 35 years due to the retirement of longtime Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton.
The winners will likely play significant roles in the city’s relationship with the Trump administration. Recently, Trump suggested the federal government could assume greater control over Washington if Lewis George becomes mayor.
However, constitutional experts note that major changes to the district’s self-governing authority would require congressional action rather than a presidential directive.
Key Primary Battles Ahead
The primary calendar remains packed with competitive races across the country.
South Carolina
On June 23, South Carolina Republicans will decide their gubernatorial nominee in a runoff between Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Evette has Trump’s endorsement, and political observers view the contest as a crucial test of Republican voter preferences heading into November.
Maryland
Maryland Democrats face multiple high-profile primaries. More than 20 candidates are competing to replace longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer, who announced his retirement after serving in Congress for 45 years.
Another closely watched race pits former Rep. David Trone against incumbent Rep. April McClain Delaney in a battle for the party’s nomination in the state’s Sixth Congressional District.
New York
Several New York congressional primaries are drawing national attention. In the 10th District, Rep. Dan Goldman faces a challenge from former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, highlighting ideological divisions within the Democratic Party.
Utah
Utah enters the election cycle with newly drawn congressional districts following court rulings that invalidated the previous map. The changes have created a more competitive political environment and opened opportunities for both parties.
Other Major Contests on the Horizon
Several states will host critical primaries later this summer.
- Louisiana (June 27): Republicans will choose a Senate nominee after incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy failed to advance from the first round of voting.
- Arizona (July 21): Republicans Andy Biggs and David Schweikert are competing for the chance to challenge Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs.
- Michigan (Aug. 4): Both parties are preparing for highly competitive Senate and gubernatorial races.
- Wisconsin (Aug. 11): Democrats face a crowded field to replace outgoing Gov. Tony Evers.
- Florida (Aug. 18): Republicans are expected to nominate Rep. Byron Donalds in the race to succeed Gov. Ron DeSantis.
- Massachusetts (Sept. 1): Sen. Ed Markey faces a Democratic primary challenge from Rep. Seth Moulton.
- New Hampshire (Sept. 8): Both parties are preparing for a competitive Senate race following Sen. Jeanne Shaheen’s retirement announcement.
- Rhode Island (Sept. 9): Democratic Gov. Dan McKee faces a serious primary challenge from former business executive Helena Foulkes.
Road to November Intensifies
As the primary season progresses, both parties are focused on securing key Senate, House, and gubernatorial seats that could determine the political landscape for the next two years.
Meanwhile, the results from Georgia and Alabama demonstrate that endorsements, campaign spending, and local political dynamics continue to shape the battle for control of Congress. With several months remaining before the general election, voters across the country will continue to play a decisive role in determining each party’s path to November.
