Voters choose candidates for November midterms as key races intensify across the nation
Category: Politics
Primary election season continues Tuesday, August 18, 2026, as voters in Alaska, Florida, and California head to the polls to choose their party's candidates for the upcoming midterm elections. These elections are particularly important as they will determine control of Congress for the remainder of President Donald Trump's term, with Democrats currently leading in the polls and aiming to secure one or both chambers.
In Alaska, the primary contest is unique in that it is not broken down by party affiliation; instead, the top four vote-getters will advance to a ranked-choice general election in November. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) is seeking reelection and faces a strong challenge from former Democratic Representative Mary Peltola. Peltola, who previously won statewide in Alaska twice in 2022, is running a centrist campaign that includes proposals for targeted tax credits for oil and gas refineries and eliminating federal income tax for Alaskans earning less than $92,000 per year.
In Florida, voters are participating in gubernatorial and Senate primaries. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL), endorsed by Trump, is a heavy favorite to succeed term-limited Governor Ron DeSantis. The gubernatorial race has focused on data centers, with candidates like Donalds advocating for builders to cover their own costs, as voters express concerns over rising utility bills. Meanwhile, in California’s Bay Area, voters are deciding who will replace former Representative Eric Swalwell in the 14th Congressional District. State Senator Aisha Wahab and local transit official Melissa Hernandez advanced from a nonpartisan primary held in June, where they received approximately 38% and 17% support, respectively.
The outcomes of these primaries could significantly impact the November midterms. In Alaska, the Cook Political Report rates the Senate race as a toss-up, making it a key contest in the battle for control of the Senate. Peltola’s centrist approach, coupled with her proposals to alleviate tax burdens on middle-class Alaskans, may attract moderate voters who are wary of more progressive policies.
In Florida, the gubernatorial race is emblematic of the broader struggles Democrats have faced in the state during the Trump era. With Donalds leading the Republican primary, Democrats are hoping former Republican-turned-independent David Jolly can mount a serious challenge in the general election. The stakes are high, as the outcome could influence future elections in a state that has become increasingly competitive.
In California, the special election to fill Swalwell's seat has become a proxy fight for the soul of the Democratic Party. Wahab’s criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and her legislative record on human rights has drawn considerable outside attention, particularly from AIPAC-affiliated Super PACs that have poured millions into the race to support Hernandez. This influx of funds has made the race expensive and combative, highlighting divisions within the Democratic base.
In Alaska, Senator Sullivan is banking on his strong ties to Trump, who carried the state by about 13 points in 2024. His campaign has accused a fellow Republican, Daniel Sullivan, of being a Democratic plant intended to confuse voters. This intra-party conflict could complicate the primary dynamics if both candidates advance. Peltola, on the other hand, is attempting to distance herself from national Democratic figures, which may resonate with independent and moderate voters looking for a pragmatic alternative.
In Florida, Donalds' campaign has been bolstered by substantial contributions from AI interests, which have raised questions about the influence of big tech on his policy positions. His commitment to ensuring that data center builders pay for infrastructure improvements aligns with growing voter concerns over utility costs. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and investor James Fishback also present alternative visions, with Fishback advocating for an outright ban on data centers across all counties, appealing to a segment of the electorate that is wary of corporate influence.
In California, Wahab's campaign has faced a barrage of outside spending aimed at undermining her candidacy. The $4.1 million spent by various Super PACs indicates a strong interest in the outcome of this race, which could set a precedent for future Democratic primaries. Wahab's stance on human rights and her complaint about election interference signal a broader struggle within the party as it navigates its identity in a changing political climate.
As the primaries conclude, the results will be closely monitored for their implications on the November elections. In Alaska, the ranked-choice voting system will add another layer of complexity to the general election, and how Peltola's centrist platform performs against Sullivan’s established Republican base will be telling.
In Florida, expect to see how Donalds' policies resonate with voters concerned about rising utility costs as he moves toward the general election. Democrats will also be watching Jolly's campaign closely to gauge whether he can capitalize on any dissatisfaction with Republican leadership.
In California, the fallout from the special election will be examined, especially in light of the heavy spending by AIPAC-affiliated groups. Wahab's potential complaint to the Federal Election Commission could open discussions about campaign finance and outside influence in elections, making this race a bellwether for future Democratic contests. Polls are open from 7 AM to 8 PM local time, and the outcomes in these key races could shape the political narrative heading into the fall.