Article by MAYA SWEEDLER and LEAH ASKARINAM
WASHINGTON (AP) — As the midterm election season kicks off on Tuesday with primary results in Texas, North Carolina, and Arkansas, the political landscape is gearing up for a showdown that will shape the future of Congress and statehouses across the country. With President Donald Trump’s second term halfway through, the primaries will offer a glimpse into what voters are looking for.
Republicans are confident in their mandate following Trump’s election, while Democrats are eager to challenge this narrative and make a comeback in Washington. Recent victories have given Democrats hope that they can regain control.
The primaries will extend into September, leading up to the November general election that will determine the direction of the country’s leadership.
Key questions loom as the primaries commence: How much influence does Trump still hold as a lame duck? Will Democrats usher in a new generation of leaders? How will redistricting impact the races?
Here are some of the focal points that The Associated Press will be monitoring as the primary season unfolds.
Is money or Trump’s endorsement the deciding factor?
Republican candidates continue to seek Trump’s endorsement, with over 200 candidates for Congress and state-level offices receiving his support. However, Trump has refrained from endorsing certain candidates, like Sen. John Cornyn in Texas, leading to a shift in dynamics within the party.
Meanwhile, Democrats are navigating their response to the Trump presidency, with Texas emerging as a battleground for differing approaches. Rep. Jasmine Crockett presents a confrontational stance, while state Rep. James Talarico advocates for a return to traditional values.
As Democrats weigh generational change versus established figures, races in Texas and North Carolina highlight the push for new faces in leadership.
Can a state redistrict itself into irrelevance?
North Carolina’s frequent redistricting has created a political landscape where most House races are predetermined by the primary, dampening voter engagement and competition. The state’s lack of competitiveness in recent elections reflects a broader trend of political apathy.
Despite being a swing state, North Carolina’s redistricting has limited opportunities for voters to alter the balance of power in the House, leading to decreased funding and voter participation.
The upcoming elections will test the impact of redistricting on the state’s political landscape and the implications for future elections.
