Voters in New York, Maryland, and Utah are casting ballots in primary elections today, with key races and potential upsets on the horizon. Meanwhile, the US Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling on access to the abortion pill mifepristone, adding a national dimension to the day's political events.
New York Primaries: Key Contests to Watch
In New York, all 26 House seats are up for grabs, but several primaries are drawing particular attention. In the 16th district, incumbent Democrat Jamaal Bowman faces a tough challenge from Westchester County Executive George Latimer, a more moderate Democrat. The race has become a proxy war between progressives and the party establishment, with significant outside spending. Bowman, a member of the progressive "Squad," has drawn criticism for his stance on Israel and his 2023 vote to expel George Santos, while Latimer has emphasized bipartisanship and local issues. Polls close at 9 p.m. ET.
Another closely watched race is in the 3rd district, where Democrat Tom Suozzi is running unopposed in the primary after winning a special election earlier this year to replace the expelled George Santos. In the 22nd district, Republican incumbent Brandon Williams faces a primary challenge from state Senator John Mannion, who has criticized Williams for his votes on abortion and infrastructure. The outcome could signal the strength of the party's moderate and conservative wings.
Maryland Primaries: Open Senate Seat and Competitive House Races
Maryland's primary features a crowded field for the open Senate seat being vacated by retiring Democrat Ben Cardin. On the Democratic side, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Representative David Trone are the leading candidates. Alsobrooks has the backing of Governor Wes Moore and Senator Chris Van Hollen, while Trone, a wealthy businessman, has poured millions of his own money into the race. The winner will face former Governor Larry Hogan, a popular Republican who is running unopposed in the GOP primary. Hogan's candidacy has made the general election a top target for both parties.
In the House, several incumbents face primary challenges. In the 6th district, Democrat David Trone's departure has created an open seat, with a competitive Democratic primary between state Delegate Lesley Lopez, former Obama administration official Joel Rubin, and businessman John M., among others. The Republican primary features former state Delegate Neil Parrott and businessman Chris Meyers. In the 1st district, Republican incumbent Andy Harris faces a primary challenge from former state Delegate Michael Smigiel, who has attacked Harris from the right over spending and immigration.
Utah Primaries: Incumbent Congressman Faces Trump-Backed Challenger
In Utah, the marquee race is the Republican primary in the 2nd congressional district, where incumbent Celeste Maloy faces a challenge from former state Representative Colby Jenkins, who has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump. Maloy, who was elected in a special election last year, has emphasized her conservative credentials but has been criticized by Jenkins for not being sufficiently aligned with Trump. The race is a test of Trump's influence in the state, which has a strong independent streak. The winner will face Democrat Nathaniel Woodward in November. In the 3rd district, incumbent Republican John Curtis is expected to easily win his primary against challenger Chris Herrod, while the 4th district sees a primary between incumbent Burgess Owens and challenger Jake Hunsaker, a former state lawmaker.
Supreme Court Ruling on Abortion Pill Access
Today, the Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling on the case FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, which challenges the FDA's approval and regulation of mifepristone, a medication used in more than half of all US abortions. The case could have far-reaching implications for access to medication abortion, even in states where abortion remains legal. A decision to restrict access could lead to a patchwork of state laws and potentially affect the availability of the drug nationwide. The ruling is anticipated to be one of the most consequential of the term, coming amid ongoing debates over reproductive rights.
Impact and Voter Sentiment
According to recent polling, voters in all three states rank the economy, inflation, and crime as top concerns, but abortion rights remain a motivating issue for many Democrats. In Maryland, a Washington Post-University of Maryland poll found that 57% of likely Democratic primary voters said abortion access was "very important" to their vote. In New York, a Siena College poll showed that 48% of voters said the Supreme Court's potential ruling on mifepristone would make them more likely to vote in the primary. "The stakes are incredibly high for women's health," said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a reproductive health advocate. "This primary election is a chance for voters to send a clear message about what they value."
Turnout is expected to be moderate, with early voting numbers in Maryland showing a slight increase compared to the 2022 primary. In New York, early voting data indicates a similar trend, with more than 100,000 ballots cast early in New York City alone. The results will provide an early indicator of voter enthusiasm and priorities heading into the November general election, where control of the House and Senate is at stake.
