The race for control of Congress is heating up, and two key House primaries are taking place in Iowa.
In the southeastern part of the state, Christina Bohannan, a Democrat and former state representative, is set to face Republican Mariannette Miller-Meeks for the third time. Their previous race was incredibly close, with a few hundred votes deciding the outcome. Meanwhile, in Des Moines’ 3rd District, both Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott and GOP Rep. Zach Nunn ran unopposed in their primaries.
Another significant race is emerging in the 2nd District, where former state Rep. Joe Mitchell, endorsed by Trump, is expected to secure the Republican nomination. He’ll face Democrat Lindsay James in the fall.
The results from Iowa will influence many other primaries across the country, including a notable race in New Jersey. Here, Rebecca Bennett, a healthcare executive and ex-Navy helicopter pilot, will challenge GOP Rep. Tom Kean Jr. in the battleground 7th District.
What’s Happening in California?
California is crucial in shaping Congress with four major battleground districts. The recent redistricting has made several districts more competitive. In a unique twist, all candidates appear on one ballot, regardless of party affiliation.
In the 22nd District, Republican Rep. David Valadao, the only Republican who voted to impeach Trump in 2021, is running unchallenged in the primary. The competition is now between two Democrats with different strategies for winning: establishment-backed Jasmeet Baines and progressive Randy Villegas.
The 48th District shifted from a Republican stronghold to a light-blue district, prompting GOP Rep. Darrell Issa to retire. Trump-supported Jim Desmond is likely to face San Diego City Council member Marni von Wilpert in the general election.
Democratic Rep. Adam Gray is seeking re-election in the 13th District while facing Republican challengers like former Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln, who narrowly lost in a previous election.
In the 6th District, independent Rep. Kevin Kiley is navigating a competitive primary against various Democrats. Redistricting has also changed dynamics in the 1st District, where Democrat Mike McGuire is likely to face Republican James Gallagher.
Additionally, California’s special election to fill the seat of recently deceased Rep. Doug LaMalfa is generating buzz. Gallagher looks poised to secure victory without a runoff.
Races to Watch in Other States
New Jersey’s 9th District is also a pivotal spot. Democratic Rep. Nellie Pou’s re-election campaign will pit her against either Rosie Pino or Tiffany Burress in a tight battle.
In Montana’s 1st District, Rep. Ryan Zinke’s retirement opens up a competitive field. Trump-backed Aaron Flint leads the GOP side, while the Democrats are fielding candidates like Ryan Busse, who previously ran for governor.
New Mexico’s 2nd District, where Trump won by a hairline in 2024, shows Democratic Rep. Gabe Vasquez gearing up against Trump-endorsed Greg Cunningham.
Incumbents at Risk
Several incumbents, especially in California, face hard-fought elections. For instance, Reps. Young Kim and Ken Calvert are locked in a fierce primary due to redistricting, which could swing either way.
Older incumbents, like Mike Thompson and Doris Matsui, are facing challenges from younger candidates, igniting a debate about generational change in politics.
The ballots being cast now will play a vital role in determining Congress’s future landscape come fall. Keep an eye on these races as they unfold.
For more insights on election trends and primary outcomes, visit NBC News.
