politics
May 2026 Primaries Test Trump Influence in GOP Races Across Multiple States
Primary elections in May 2026 across a dozen states will challenge President Trump's sway within the Republican Party, with key races in Indiana, Ohio, and others potentially impacting midterm outcomes. Endorsements and intra-party battles highlight divisions between MAGA supporters and traditional conservatives. Results could determine control of Congress in November.
May 3, 5:00 AM·2m read3 sources
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Primary elections resume in May 2026 after a brief pause, with contests in 12 states set to influence the November midterm elections where Republicans defend narrow majorities in the Senate and House.
Indiana and Ohio hold primaries on May 5.
U.S. House seats. Groups including Turning Point USA's political wing and the Club for Growth have invested millions to support these challengers. Club for Growth President David McIntosh described the effort as replacing traditional Republicans with those who will fight Democratic gerrymandering.
Amy Acton in November to succeed term-limited Gov. Mike DeWine. Ohio's Senate primary features appointed Republican Sen. Jon Husted running unopposed, while former Sen. Sherrod Brown is expected to secure the Democratic nod. The seat completes the term of Vice President JD Vance, who resigned after the 2024 election.
Virginia primaries occur on May 12, followed by Louisiana on May 16. Bill Cassidy faces Republican challengers Rep. Julia Letlow and former Rep. John Fleming, now state treasurer. Trump endorsed Letlow in the race. Cassidy, one of seven GOP senators who voted to convict Trump in his 2021 impeachment trial, has since supported the president's agenda.
May 19 brings primaries in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania. In Kentucky's 4th Congressional District, Rep. Thomas Massie faces Trump-endorsed challenger Ed Gallrein, a former Navy SEAL. Trump allies have funded attacks on Massie, a frequent critic of the president on issues like foreign policy.
Republican gubernatorial primary to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp features a competitive field, including Trump-endorsed Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and self-funded healthcare executive Rick Jackson. Other candidates include state Attorney General Chris Carr and Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
