On Tuesday, primary elections in several states set the stage for upcoming showdowns that may determine the balance of power in Congress. Rep. Ilhan Omar of Minnesota, part of the progressive “Squad”, won her primary despite challenges from a more moderate Democrat. However, other Squad members faced defeats due to opposition from pro-Israel groups. In Wisconsin, Sen. Tammy Baldwin secured her primary win as she seeks a third term, and businessman Eric Hovde clinched the Republican nomination for the Senate race.
Omar’s victory came after Reps. Jamaal Bowman and Cori Bush, who are also part of the Squad, lost their primaries due to outside spending from pro-Israel groups. Despite her criticism of Israel’s actions, Omar avoided similar opposition in her race. Meanwhile, Hovde’s win sets up a competitive Senate race against Baldwin in Wisconsin.
In the House, small business owner Rebecca Cooke won the Democratic primary in Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District and will face off against incumbent Rep. Derrick Van Orden. Democrats are eyeing competitive House races across the country, hoping to gain enough seats to regain control of the lower chamber in 2025. Van Orden’s race is currently rated as “lean Republican”, as Republicans hold a narrow majority in the House.
Overall, Tuesday’s primaries demonstrated the ongoing divide within the Democratic Party over issues like Israel, while setting the stage for closely contested races that could shape the future of Congress.
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