Exploring History in Maryland and Persistent Zombie Campaigns: Key Points from the Primary
TL/DR –
In Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska primaries, the results pointed to a desire for moderation, achievement, and diversity, and a rejection of big money in politics. In Maryland, Angela Alsobrooks, who hopes to become only the third Black woman elected to Congress, beat Representative David Trone in the Senate Democratic primary, despite Trone spending over $60 million on his campaign. In Nebraska and West Virginia, mainstream GOP candidates prevailed in the House primaries, indicating a resistance to the far-right wing of the party.
Voters in Maryland, West Virginia, and Nebraska expressed a preference for moderation and diversity in Tuesday’s primaries, rejecting the influence of wealth in politics.
Nikki Haley, despite long discontinuing her campaign for the Republican presidential nomination, had a surprisingly good night.
Here are four key points:
A historic win in Maryland over money
Rep. David Trone lost the Senate Democratic primary to Angela Alsobrooks despite spending over $60 million of his fortune on the race. Alsobrooks hopes to become only the third black woman elected to Congress’s upper chamber. Her win represents a victory for history over money.
In a twist of events, former governor and moderate Republican Larry Hogan’s entry into the race has disrupted the Democrats’ initial confidence in Trone as their nominee.
Senior Democrats believed they needed a candidate like Alsobrooks who could inspire their base voters to defeat Hogan, who has proven his bipartisan appeal in his blue state.
A resistance warrior defeated
In the most active Democratic circles, Harry Dunn, a Capitol Police officer who battled a pro-Trump mob, ran for the House but lost to State Senator Sarah Elfreth in a Democratic primary. Elfreth brought legislative experience and a strong Democratic record to the table, overcoming Dunn’s nationwide fundraising efforts of nearly $4.6 million.
Signs of GOP moderation
Two House primaries on Tuesday in Nebraska and West Virginia hinted at a shift away from extreme right-wing politics in the Republican Party. In both primaries, mainstream Republicans emerged victorious over more conservative challengers.
In Nebraska, Rep. Don Bacon, known for his independent voice, triumphed over conservative challenger Dan Frei. In West Virginia, Derrick Evans, who participated in the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack, lost to Rep. Carol Miller.
Continued emergence of the zombie presidential voters
Despite no contenders running against President Biden and former President Donald Trump in the primaries, opposition continues to surface. In Maryland, one in 10 Democratic primary voters cast their vote as “uncommitted” – many likely protesting Biden’s support for Israel in the war in Gaza. Meanwhile, in West Virginia and Nebraska, significant votes were garnered by long-gone candidate Nikki Haley, hinting at potential shifts in the November elections.
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