WASHINGTON, D.C. — The midterms may still be months away — but the battle for 2026 is already heating up.
From a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party in the Midwest, to a crowded Republican Senate fight in South Carolina- six states, with high-stakes primary fights that will shape the November matchups.
“Again, another fight for the soul of the Democratic Party,” said Dr. Todd Belt, professor and director of the Political Management Master’s Program at George Washington University.
Progressives in swing states like Minnesota are hoping to build off recent momentum after a major win in Michigan.
In Wisconsin’s Democratic gubernatorial primary — Democratic socialist Francesca Hong is leading David Crowley in a race dividing both wings of the party.
“We will see if she is able to hold that lead over David Crowley, who’s the more moderate of the Democrats there,” said Belt.
Wisconsin Congressman Tom Tiffany is favored to receive the GOP nomination in the race governor.
“Republicans are licking their chops because Wisconsin is very much a swing state,” said Belt.
In Minnesota, Senator Amy Klobuchar is favored for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination, while MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell is leading for the GOP.
“He is the famous MyPillow executive and election denier with Donald Trump’s endorsement,” said Belt. “I’m really interested to see how the messaging works on that and if we keep dragging 2020 into 2026.”
Democratic Minnesota Senator Tina Smith is retiring. The state’s lieutenant governor, Peggy Flanagan, is facing off against Congresswoman Angie Craig, D-Minn., for the seat.
And in South Carolina, Republican voters will choose their party’s candidate for Senate after the death of Lindsey Graham. President Trump endorsed Darline Graham, the sister of the late senator, who was sworn in to finish her brother’s current term.
“We didn’t know if Lindsey Graham’s sister was going to run for that six-year term, but it turns out she is,” Belt said.
However, it could be a few weeks before the GOP candidate is determined. Graham will face off against Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., former South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, businessman Mark Lynch and others. The crowded field will likely force a runoff before Democrats get their shot in the November general election.
“It could be a very tough and very divided race for the Republicans,” said Belt.
