What the latest primary results could mean for November’s midterms

WASHINGTON —

Tuesday’s primary election results showcased the ideological directions for both the Democratic and Republican parties, with key races set to shape the political landscape ahead of November’s midterm elections.

So far, the primary season has delivered mixed results for Democrats.

On Tuesday, Minnesota voters decisively chose progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan over centrist Rep. Angie Craig to clinch the party’s U.S. Senate nomination.

Last week, the progressive surge was also felt in Michigan, where Abdul El-Sayed defeated moderate challenger Rep. Haley Stevens for the party’s nomination for another U.S. Senate seat.

But not everything was as clear-cut Tuesday. In Wisconsin’s governor’s race, democratic socialist Francesca Hong narrowly lost to moderate David Crowley.

In all, Democrats need to gain four seats to take control of the Senate, but political analysts warn that the progressive movement could make it harder to appeal to a larger base of voters in November.

“There’s a chance that the Michigan seat is going to go to a Republican, and that has lots of implications for who controls the Senate,” Wendell Primus of the Brookings Institution said.

The Republican Party’s direction also remains unclear. Later this month, a runoff election will determine whether Sen. Darline Graham, the Trump-backed candidate and sister of the late Lindsey Graham, or hardline conservative Rep. Ralph Norman will secure the nomination.

Historically, political experts say the president’s party almost always loses ground in midterm elections in the House.

Primus offered his own prediction.

“I think the House will be back in Democratic control next year, and I think the Senate is pretty much an even toss-up right now. I can make an argument both ways, but I clearly think Trump is going to have some more guardrails,” Primus said.

Experts say affordability, the economy, the war in Iran, aid to Israel, and healthcare are among the main issues weighing heavily on voters’ minds.

President Donald Trump’s impact on the upcoming midterms has also been mixed. While his endorsement of Darline Graham could play a role in the upcoming runoff, his support for MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell was not enough to advance him as the Republican pick for Minnesota governor.

Experts note that the president’s approval rating and policy stances, particularly on prices and the war in Iran, may also play a role as voters head to the polls in November.

Watch more on Tuesday’s primary results: