Election Primary Results: August 7, 2018
Voters in Ohio’s 12th Congressional District will decide a special election that could be a bellwether for November. The race pits Republican state Sen. Trey Balderson against Democratic Franklin County recorder Danny O’Connor in a bid to replace former Rep. Pat Tiberi.
The district has traditionally been solidly Republican — Ohio Gov. John Kasich represented it for nine terms before Tiberi — but its affluent, suburban voters have been turned off by President Trump. Trump nevertheless campaigned for Balderson, warning that O’Connor — now tied in the polls — is a “puppet” for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Missouri Republicans will vote on their challenger to vulnerable Democratic Sen. Claire McCaskill. Attorney General Josh Hawley is the favorite, having been recruited by the national party and endorsed by Trump. Libertarian Austin Petersen, businessman Courtland Sykes and Sarah Palin-endorsed Tony Monetti are among the other GOP candidates on the ballot.
Michigan will have two primaries to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Rick Snyder. The Democrats are choosing between establishment favorite Gretchen Whitmer and progressive Abdul El-Sayed, who if elected would become the nation’s first Muslim governor.
Lt. Gov Brian Calley and Trump-endorsed Attorney General Bill Schuette are the top two Republicans vying for the governorship. The party will also choose between African-American Iraq war pilot John James and detergent company executive Sandy Pesner for the opportunity to challenge Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow. Trump is backing James.
In Kansas, Republicans will decide whether they want to keep Gov. Jeff Kolyer for a full term or go with Trump-endorsed Secretary of State Kris Kobach. Democrats will choose between state Sen. Laura Kelly, former Wichita Mayor Carl Brewer and former Agriculture Secretary Josh Svaty. Democrats will also nominate a challenger to GOP Rep. Kevin Yoder in the 3rd District.
Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell faces a crowded nonpartisan “jungle” primary in Washington state. Democrats are also making a push in Washington’s 5th Congressional District, represented by House leadership team member Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and the 8th District, where Republican Rep. Dave Reichert is retiring.
