The Democratic Party's internal ideological struggle is taking center stage in Tuesday's primary elections, particularly in Florida. Voters there, along with those in Alaska and Wyoming, will cast ballots that could redefine the party's direction and influence the national political landscape. This month has already seen notable progressive victories, such as Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in Minnesota, contrasted with a setback for the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) with Francesca Hong's defeat in Wisconsin. These primaries are crucial in determining nominees for the general election, especially in the battle for control of the U.S. Senate. Florida's contests include the race to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis, and a high-profile congressional district where a long-serving Democratic representative faces a socialist challenger in a significantly redrawn district.
Ideological Showdown in Florida
The most closely watched primary in Florida is in the 25th Congressional District, where DSA-backed Oliver Larkin is challenging incumbent Democratic Representative Jared Moskowitz. This district is considered a key swing seat, one of about two dozen House races that could determine whether Republicans retain their slim majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
Oliver Larkin, 33, was involved in Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 presidential campaign. He is currently the only DSA-endorsed House candidate running in a critical swing district.
Representative Moskowitz, a two-term federal lawmaker, has a strong and public record of supporting Israel and advocating for substantial U.S. military and security assistance to the nation. He previously served as a state representative and as Florida's emergency management director. Moskowitz is seeking re-election in the newly redrawn 25th Congressional District, which is anchored in Broward County and leans Republican, despite its historical battleground status. He has garnered support from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and AIPAC, a prominent pro-Israel political organization. Larkin, on the other hand, is supported by notable progressive figures, including the influential political streamer Hasan Piker.
Meanwhile, in the newly configured 20th District, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz, an 11-term representative and former chair of the Democratic National Committee, is campaigning for re-election. She has drawn criticism from Black community leaders for being the sole white candidate in a majority-minority district that has been represented by Black lawmakers for three decades. Wasserman Schultz resides in an adjacent district.
The competitive field in the 20th District also includes former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned from Congress in April amidst allegations of misusing $5 million in federal funds, claims she denies. Other contenders are former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and community activist Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, a rapper known for his work with 2 Live Crew. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), a leading left-leaning political advocacy group, is endorsing Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old substitute teacher who overcame childhood homelessness.
Key Races for Florida Governor and Senate
In the Republican primary to succeed Governor DeSantis, Representative Byron Donalds has received the endorsement of President Donald Trump. The crowded field for this nomination also features Lt. Governor Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback.
On the Democratic side, former Republican Representative David Jolly, who switched his party affiliation last year, is the most recognized candidate vying for the gubernatorial nomination. Democrats face an uphill battle, as the party has not won a Florida gubernatorial election in over three decades.
The Florida Senate primary will determine the candidates who will compete to fill the remainder of the term previously held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio vacated the Senate seat early last year to join the Trump administration. Governor DeSantis appointed then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the vacancy. Moody is facing three primary challengers on Tuesday. For the Democratic nomination, retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who gained national attention for his testimony in Trump's first impeachment trial, is competing against progressive state Representative Angie Nixon. Democrats are hopeful they can flip this Senate seat in the midterms, crucial for their goal of regaining a majority in the chamber.
Alaska's All-Party Primary Dynamics
Democrats are also closely watching Alaska, a state that typically leans Republican. There, Republican Senator Dan Sullivan is seeking re-election and is anticipated to face a strong challenge from former Democratic Representative Mary Peltola.
Senator Sullivan and Peltola are the most prominent figures among the 16 candidates in Alaska's unique all-party primary system, where the top four vote-getters, regardless of party, advance to the general election. A separate candidate, also named Dan Sullivan, is on the ballot. Republicans attempted to prevent this other Dan Sullivan from appearing on the ballot, accusing him of conspiring with Democrats to confuse voters and aid Peltola's campaign, an accusation both he and the Peltola campaign have denied. Adding to the intrigue, Peltola recently made headlines by distancing herself from an endorsement issued by former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Alaska also features crowded primary contests for governor, where GOP Governor Mike Dunleavy is term-limited, and for the state's sole congressional seat, where Republican Representative Nick Begich is seeking re-election.
Wyoming and California Contests
In deeply Republican Wyoming, President Trump has endorsed Representative Harriet Hageman in her bid to succeed retiring GOP Senator Cynthia Lummis. Primaries are also being held for governor, with GOP Governor Mark Gordon being term-limited, and for the state's at-large U.S. House seat, which Hageman is vacating for her Senate run.
Additionally, four months after Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell resigned from Congress following sexual assault allegations that ended his campaign for California governor, voters in his former Bay Area district will select a replacement. Both candidates on the ballot are Democrats, meaning the Republican Party's narrow House majority is set to shrink further.
