Voters in California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota are casting ballots in primaries that will shape key races for governor, Congress and the Senate. California’s top-two governor’s race and Iowa’s open-seat contests are among the most closely watched.
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Barney Frank, a Massachusetts congressman who co-authored the Dodd-Frank financial reform law and was a pioneering openly gay politician, has died at 86. He served 32 years in Congress and was known for his sharp wit and advocacy on banking and civil rights.
Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic governor primary with over 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff and securing her spot in the November general election. She will face either Lt. Gov. Burt Jones or healthcare executive Rick Jackson in the Republican runoff.
The Republican-led House Oversight Committee has launched an investigation into alleged widespread hospice fraud in Southern California, following a CBS News report highlighting excessive Medicare billing and potential exploitation of vulnerable patients. California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office defended its response, citing license revocations and a fraud task force, while emphasizing ongoing efforts to address the issue. Meanwhile, a scheduled California gubernatorial debate was canceled after criticism that its qualification criteria excluded all nonwhite candidates, sparking calls for a more inclusive alternative event amid a crowded and diverse race.
Illinois Democratic primaries showcased Governor J.B. Pritzker’s political influence, particularly through his substantial financial and public support for Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, who won the U.S. Senate primary and is poised to become the sixth Black woman in the Senate. Outside spending from groups focused on issues like Israel, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence totaled over $52 million, highlighting the growing impact of specialized PACs in local races. Stratton’s victory not only strengthens Pritzker’s political standing in Illinois but also fuels speculation about his potential 2028 presidential ambitions.
The 2026 Democratic primary in Illinois to replace Senator Dick Durbin centers on immigration enforcement, with candidates Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, and Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly all opposing ICE but differing in their reform approaches. The race is heavily influenced by outside spending, notably Krishnamoorthi’s $29 million ad campaign supported by a pro-crypto super PAC, while Governor JB Pritzker backs Stratton with significant financial resources, highlighting his political influence. This contest underscores broader Democratic Party divisions on immigration policy, anti-Trump strategies, and the impact of campaign financing ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois has announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, ending his long tenure in Congress and expressing gratitude for the support from his constituents. His decision will leave a vacancy in the Senate's Democratic leadership and is expected to lead to a competitive primary race in the Democratic-leaning state. Durbin, who has played significant roles in legislative efforts and party leadership, emphasized the importance of passing the torch to a new generation of leaders.
Barbara Lee, a former U.S. Representative and prominent progressive, has been elected as the new mayor of Oakland, California, amid the city's challenges of economic stagnation, crime, and homelessness. Her campaign, which resonated with residents disillusioned by traditional politics, focused on progressive policies to address these issues. Lee's victory, confirmed after her opponent Loren Taylor conceded, signifies a shift in leadership that aligns with a broader national conversation about the Democratic Party's direction and the prioritization of community needs.