NPR is reporting that seven states are holding primary elections between today and Tuesday, with key themes including President Donald J Trump’s influence and ongoing redistricting battles.
In Louisiana, incumbent Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy faces challenges due to his vote for Trump’s impeachment and his pro-vaccine stance. Trump has endorsed Rep. Julia Letlow, a challenger to Cassidy. The state is also a major focus for redistricting, as it redraws congressional district boundaries to eliminate majority-Black districts following the Supreme Court’s Callais decision. NPR said this move is expected to significantly decrease Black representation in Congress, potentially eliminating as many as 15 Black-majority seats, and could provide Republicans with an advantage in midterm elections. House elections in Louisiana have been suspended.
Kentucky’s primary will test Trump’s strength within the GOP, with Trump endorsing Ed Gallrein to unseat Rep. Thomas Massie, who is supported by Sen. Rand Paul. In Alabama, Trump’s endorsement is also at stake in the open Senate GOP primary, where he has backed Rep. Barry Moore. Redistricting is a significant issue in Alabama as well, with primary voting delayed for four districts.
NPR also noted that Idaho’s elections highlight a trend of independent candidates, formerly Democrats, running for the Senate. Oregon’s primary will determine a Republican opponent for Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, and Pennsylvania will set multiple key House races, including three rated as Toss-Ups by the Cook Political Report. These Pennsylvania races are seen as crucial for House control and for understanding how swing-district Republicans discuss the economy.
Looking ahead, NPR said the following week will feature a closely watched GOP runoff in Texas between incumbent Sen. John Cornyn and Ken Paxton. Democrats hope Paxton wins to create a longshot opportunity to pick up a Senate seat in Texas, a state where Democrats have not won statewide office since 1994.
Separately, NPR is reporting on President Trump’s recent two-day visit to China, which it said was marked by pageantry but lacked concrete agreements on trade tensions and an Iran ceasefire. The Supreme Court has ordered that the abortion pill mifepristone will remain available via telehealth as its legal challenge proceeds. A NewsGuard/YouGov poll found that a majority of Americans doubt or are unsure if recent assassination attempts on President Trump were staged, which a NewsGuard editor attributed to broader distrust in government.
NPR also reported that a nonprofit is suing the National Park Service and the Department of the Interior over the decision to resurface the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and paint its basin "American flag blue," alleging the Trump administration failed to follow federal law. The New York Times has reported the project could cost over $13 million. Justice Correspondent Ryan Lucas reported that Trump is pardoning officials convicted of corruption, which watchdogs say undermines the fight against government corruption.