The fall’s Senate control battle is shaping up after Tuesday’s primaries in Maryland and West Virginia. Former Gov. Larry Hogan won the Maryland Republican primary, while Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks defeated Rep. David Trone in the Democratic primary. In West Virginia, Gov. Jim Justice won the GOP primary, setting up a matchup with Wheeling Mayor Glenn Elliott in November. Elliott is endorsed by the retiring Sen. Joe Manchin, making it unlikely for an independent candidate to enter the race. Some moderate House Republicans also held off conservative challengers in Tuesday’s contests.
Trone’s massive campaign spending didn’t secure him the Democratic nomination in Maryland, as Alsobrooks won the Senate primary. Alsobrooks will face Hogan, a moderate Republican, in the November election. Hogan’s occasional criticisms of former President Donald Trump may complicate matters for Democrats as they strive to maintain control of the Senate. In West Virginia, Justice is well-positioned to flip Manchin’s Senate seat to the Republican Party after winning the GOP primary. He will face Elliott in November, with the state being heavily Republican.
Maryland state Sen. Sarah Elfreth emerged victorious in a deep blue district by emphasizing her local connections and receiving support from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s super PAC. AIPAC’s investment in the district, where Elfreth comfortably won the nomination, raised questions due to the lack of significant differences between her and her top rival. Moderate House Republican incumbents, including Rep. Don Bacon in Nebraska’s 2nd District and Rep. Carol Miller, successfully held off conservative challengers in Tuesday’s primaries. Miller defeated Derrick Evans, a former state lawmaker with a controversial background.
In West Virginia’s gubernatorial primary, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey emerged victorious in a contentious race that also featured Moore Capito, Secretary of State Mac Warner, and Chris Miller. The primary saw negative ads attacking transgender people and criticizing candidates’ affiliations with LGBT issues. Morrisey will face Democratic Huntington Mayor Steve Williams in the general election. Overall, Tuesday’s primaries provided a glimpse into the ongoing battle for control of the Senate, with Republican candidates positioning themselves to challenge Democratic incumbents in key races.
