Six US states hold primaries on Tuesday as Donald Trump urges Kentucky voters to oust Republican congressman Thomas Massie, a frequent critic of the president. The contests in Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Alabama, Oregon, and Idaho will select candidates for the November midterm elections.
Kentucky
The most closely watched race is the Republican primary for the 4th congressional district, where Massie faces a challenge from retired Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, backed by Trump. Massie has broken with Trump on key issues and led efforts to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The race has become the most expensive House primary in history. Republicans also choose a candidate to replace retiring Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell, with Congressman Andy Barr and former state attorney general Daniel Cameron as frontrunners. On the Democratic side, Charles Booker and Amy McGrath are vying for the Senate nomination.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania features several competitive primaries. In the 7th district, Democrats choose between union leader Bob Brooks, former prosecutor Ryan Crosswell, and others to take on Republican Ryan Mackenzie. In the 8th district, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti is unopposed for the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican Rob Bresnahan Jr. The 10th district sees Justin Douglas and Janelle Stelson competing for the Democratic nod against Republican Scott Perry. In the 1st district, Democrats Bob Harvie and Lucia Simonelli seek to unseat Republican Brian Fitzpatrick. Philadelphia's 3rd district has a three-way Democratic primary to replace retiring Dwight Evans.
Georgia
Republicans pick a challenger to Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff, with Congressmen Mike Collins and Buddy Carter, and former football coach Derek Dooley as frontrunners. For governor, Republicans include Brad Raffensperger, Chris Carr, and Burt Jones, while Democrats Keisha Lance Bottoms and Geoff Duncan lead the field.
Alabama
Following a Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act, Alabama's primary covers only three House districts. The gubernatorial race to replace Kay Ivey features Senator Tommy Tuberville as the Republican frontrunner, with former Senator Doug Jones expected to win the Democratic nomination. Congressman Barry Moore leads the GOP Senate primary to replace Tuberville.
Oregon
Governor Tina Kotek faces nine Democratic challengers in her primary, while 14 Republicans compete, including former NBA player Chris Dudley and state senator Christine Drazan.
Idaho
Governor Brad Little and Senator Jim Risch face primary challengers but are heavily favored to win their nominations and the general election in this deep-red state.
