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Primary elections in Florida, Alaska, California
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Voters in Alaska, California, Florida, and Wyoming cast ballots in Tuesday's primaries.
The results will shape November's balance of power and test party shifts.
Background
Primary elections were held on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Alaska, California, Florida, and Wyoming. These races are significant because they will determine candidates for the November midterms, potentially impacting the balance of power in Congress. The primaries highlight ideological divisions within the Democratic Party and the effects of Republican-led redistricting.
How it unfolded
- Aug 18, 2026Polls opened in Alaska, California, Florida, and Wyoming for primary elections, with key races for Senate, House, and governor.
- Aug 18, 2026In Florida, Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz faced Democratic Socialist Oliver Larkin in a newly drawn district, while Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz ran in a different district to avoid a tough race.
- Aug 18, 2026In Alaska, the nonpartisan primary featured Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola, with the top four advancing to the general election.
- Aug 18, 2026In California, a special election was held to replace former Rep. Eric Swalwell, with state Sen. Aisha Wahab and BART President Melissa Hernandez advancing.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The primaries could reshape the balance of power in November, with key Senate races in Alaska and Florida.
- Party
- Democratic establishment and progressive left are battling in several races, reflecting ideological shifts within the party.
Still unverified
None