With the 2026 midterm elections just 100 days away, several important races have yet to hold their primaries, with national implications.
The 2026 primaries have largely been characterized by two trends — President Donald Trump’s hold on the Republican Party being cemented through successful endorsements, and the Democratic Party’s left-wing being strengthened through victories of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates over establishment figures. The latter has been checked in some cases, most notably Colorado, and the looming races could show whether the trend was more of a fluke or a lasting movement.
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Here are four of the most impactful primaries left, with 100 days until the midterm elections.
1. Michigan Democratic Senate primary (Aug. 4): Haley Stevens vs. Abdul el Sayed
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary was confirmed as a two-person contest earlier this month when Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow dropped out without endorsing anyone, clearly turning the race into a clash between the establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and DSA-backed Abdul el Sayed.
The race is widely viewed as the most impactful proxy battle between the centrist and progressive wings of the party, drawing in heavy hitters from both sides. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has backed Stevens, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have backed el Sayed.
The contest has largely become a battle of financial backing. Mainstream pro-Israel groups, led by AIPAC’s affiliated super PACs, have invested heavily in Stevens to defend a key pro-Israel voice in the Senate. El Sayed, however, has anchored his campaign in small-dollar grassroots donors and labor unions, pledging to refuse corporate PAC dollars as he pushes a left-wing platform critical of Israel.
2. Minnesota Democratic Senate primary (Aug. 11): Angie Craig vs. Peggy Flanagan
In another ideological battle pitting the progressive wing against the centrist wing, the more centrist Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) is running against the more progressive Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan to replace the retiring Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN). With Minnesota a safe blue state, the primary will effectively decide who the next senator will be.
Craig has endured scathing criticism over her bipartisanship, including crossing the aisle to sign the Laken Riley Act, and a resolution thanking ICE. Flanagan faces enduring backlash from the Minnesota fraud epidemic.
Craig has a heavy financial edge and the backing of the party establishment, along with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Flanagan has the backing of a litany of progressive darlings, including Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT).
3. Florida special Democratic Senate primary (Aug. 18): Alex Vindman vs. Angela Nixon
Florida is holding a special election to fill the rest of the Senate term that Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave up to fill his current position. The Democratic primary is being held between the more centrist former Army officer Alex Vindman and the progressive Angela Nixon.
The race has made headlines over having one of the most significant fundraising gaps in the country. Vindman has reportedly raised around $16.7 million, while Nixon has only raised $625,000.
Many establishment Democrats are eager to get Vindman in the Senate over his national visibility. He gained national attention in 2019 as the man behind Trump’s first impeachment after reporting a phone call between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He has since defined himself as a thorn in Trump’s side.
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4. New Hampshire Republican Senate primary (Sept. 8): Scott Brown vs. John Sununu
Former Sens. Scott Brown and John Sununu are facing off, but the result is hardly in doubt, as Sununu is leading by double digits in every poll, often by more than twice Brown’s share. Brown’s fate was sealed when Trump endorsed his rival in February, despite Sununu’s past criticisms of the president.
Both have argued that their record of political independence makes them the ideal bipartisan pick in the purple state, which has always gone clearly against Trump but distinguishes itself for Republican picks in high offices.
