Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Jun 3: Key primary elections across Iowa, California, New Jersey, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota on Tuesday helped shape the battle for control of the US House of Representatives ahead of the November elections.
In Iowa, Democratic former state representative Christina Bohannan secured her party's nomination and is set for a third consecutive contest against Republican Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks in a closely watched southeastern Iowa district. Their 2024 race was decided by only a few hundred votes.
In Iowa's 3rd Congressional District, Democratic state senator Sarah Trone Garriott and Republican Representative Zach Nunn advanced unopposed to the general election.
Another closely watched Iowa race is in the 2nd District, vacated by Republican Representative Ashley Hinson as she seeks a Senate seat. Former state representative Joe Mitchell, backed by US President Donald Trump, won the Republican nomination and will face Democratic state representative Lindsay James.
In New Jersey, Democrats selected Rebecca Bennett as their nominee to challenge Republican Representative Tom Kean Jr. in the battleground 7th District.
California emerged as a major focus following redistricting changes that reshaped several congressional districts. Among the most closely watched races is the 22nd District, where Republican Representative David Valadao seeks re-election. Democrats Jasmeet Bains and Randy Villegas are competing for a place in the general election.
In California's 48th District, Republican candidate Jim Desmond, who is backed by Trump, is competing against Democrats Marni von Wilpert and Ammar Campa-Najjar in a district transformed from a Republican stronghold into a more competitive seat.
California's 13th District is also attracting attention, with Democratic Representative Adam Gray facing a challenge from former Stockton mayor Kevin Lincoln.
Several incumbents are also facing challenges within their own parties. Democratic Representatives Mike Thompson, Doris Matsui, Brad Sherman, Jimmy Gomez and Linda Sánchez are all defending their positions against challengers advocating generational change or policy shifts.
A particularly intense Republican contest is unfolding in California's 40th District between Representatives Young Kim and Ken Calvert following redistricting changes.
In Montana's 1st District, Trump-backed candidate Aaron Flint won the Republican primary in a seat being vacated by retiring Representative Ryan Zinke.
Meanwhile, in New Mexico's 2nd District, Democratic Representative Gabe Vasquez is expected to face Republican candidate Greg Cunningham in the general election.
In South Dakota's at-large congressional district, state Attorney General Marty Jackley won the Republican primary for the seat being vacated by Representative Dusty Johnson, who is running for governor.
The primaries are expected to play a crucial role in determining the balance of power in Congress as Republicans and Democrats prepare for a highly competitive election season later this year.