Nancy Pelosi expressed disappointment over President Joe Biden's delayed decision to exit the presidential race, which she believes has hindered the possibility of an open primary for the Democratic Party in the 2024 election. Pelosi's comments highlight concerns within the party about the lack of competition and fresh candidates in the upcoming election cycle.
Iowa voters participated in primary elections on Tuesday, determining candidates for the U.S. House and the Republican-controlled state legislature. Key races included all four of Iowa's congressional districts, with notable contests in District 3 and District 4. Polls closed at 8 p.m., and results are available for various state Senate and House races.
In Texas, the hard-right faction of the Republican Party is gaining ground, ousting 15 incumbents in recent primaries. However, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan narrowly survived a challenge from a Trump-backed activist, maintaining a moderating influence in the State Legislature for now. The hard-right remains confident that its influence will continue to grow.
Texas is hosting primary runoff elections that will shape the future of the GOP, with key races including GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales facing pro-gun YouTuber Brandon Herrera and state House Speaker Dade Phelan challenged by conservative activist David Covey. Meanwhile, polls suggest a guilty verdict in Donald Trump's trial could boost Joe Biden's chances in the 2024 presidential race, though the actual impact remains uncertain.
The Texas runoffs are crucial for Republicans Tony Gonzales and Dade Phelan, who face challenges from within their party. Gonzales, criticized for his stances on guns and same-sex marriage, risks losing his seat to gun-rights advocate Brandon Herrera. Phelan, targeted for his role in the impeachment of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, faces a tough race against David Covey. These contests highlight the internal GOP struggle and could significantly impact Texas politics.
Progressive activists are celebrating after tens of thousands of Democratic voters cast protest votes against President Biden in the recent primaries, with significant numbers choosing "uncommitted" or supporting other candidates. This reflects a growing sentiment of dissatisfaction within the party base, particularly regarding the White House's handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict. On the Republican side, a notable number of voters also opted against supporting Trump.
Former President Donald Trump's influence over the GOP solidified as his candidates won primary races, but both Trump and President Joe Biden face challenges within their parties as protest voters continue to snub them. Trump-backed candidates won in Ohio and Illinois, while Biden faced protest votes in Kansas and Arizona. Additionally, a special election in California resulted in a runoff, and House Speaker Mike Johnson's slim majority will remain narrow until after upcoming elections.
Businessman Bernie Moreno wins the pivotal Ohio Republican Senate primary, securing former President Donald Trump's endorsement. Joe Biden and Donald Trump clinch victories in various state primaries, while Ohio's Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown criticizes Moreno's win. Incumbent lawmakers in Illinois face competitive primary challenges, and Ohio's Republican Senate primary gears up for a tough battle against Brown in the upcoming general election.
The March 19 primary elections are underway, with key races to watch in Kansas, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and Ohio. Results are still coming in, and percentages represent the amount of votes counted. Several primary races, including Democratic and Republican primaries, are ongoing, with winners yet to be determined.
Voters in Illinois are participating in the 2024 primary elections, with key races including presidential nominations, the Cook County state’s attorney race, and a referendum in Chicago on funding for the homeless. The voter turnout has been described as shockingly low, with concerns about low participation and a lack of competition at the top of the ballot. Campaign volunteers are engaging with voters at polling places, and there is a focus on the 7th Congressional District race, where some residents are seeking new representation.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry has agreed to resign amid increased gang violence and international pressure, with a transitional presidential council to be installed. It's primary day in Georgia, where both Trump and Biden face challenges in convincing voters. Special counsel Robert Hur is set to testify about his investigation into Biden's handling of classified documents. The U.S. prison population is aging rapidly, posing challenges for prison systems. NPR's Life Kit offers tips for efficient spring cleaning.
School voucher supporters in Texas celebrated primary wins, bringing their long-held goal of using state funds for private school tuition closer to reality. Gov. Greg Abbott's success in replacing nine Republicans who opposed vouchers with pro-voucher candidates signals a potential shift in the 2025 legislative session. Public school advocates raised concerns about the potential cost to the school system and vowed to continue the battle. The upcoming runoffs will determine the fate of the voucher program, with both sides gearing up for an intense fight.
Super Tuesday saw Donald J. Trump and President Biden emerge victorious, with Nikki Haley narrowly avoiding a shutout in the 15 Republican contests. In California, Representative Adam Schiff and Republican political novice Steve Garvey advanced to the general election in the Senate race, while several House seats and primaries remain undecided. In North Carolina, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson won the Republican primary for the state’s open governor seat, setting up a closely watched contest against Josh Stein, the state’s attorney general.
Prominent Republicans, including Ohio GOP Sen. JD Vance, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, and GOP Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, called for unity behind former President Trump after his dominant showing in Super Tuesday's primaries, declaring the primary over and urging the party to rally around Trump as the nominee. South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott also voiced support for Trump, while Nikki Haley's campaign highlighted her win in Vermont. However, some Republicans expressed concerns about Trump's support among primary voters, emphasizing the need to address their concerns for party and national unity.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton celebrated a victory as at least nine House Republicans lost their primaries, with another eight forced into runoffs, including House Speaker Dade Phelan. The results signal a shift towards more conservative policies in the Texas House, with a potential embrace of school vouchers. Abbott and Paxton endorsed challengers in numerous races, targeting incumbents who were seen as disloyal to the party. The outcome suggests a more conservative House membership, potentially enabling public funding for private schools. Paxton's campaign to oust House incumbents who supported his impeachment last year had mixed success, while Abbott and Paxton occasionally backed different candidates, resulting in both wins and losses for their chosen candidates.