Florida Primary Battles
Florida Primaries Unfold: Trump's Influence Tested as Donalds Leads GOP Race, Democrats Vie
Rep. Byron Donalds is set to win the Republican primary for Florida governor, backed by a key endorsement from President Donald Trump, according to USA Today. Donalds would face a tough general election fight in a state Trump calls home — but one where Democrats sense an opening.
Florida is not the only state voting. In Alaska, Democrat Mary Peltola is running to flip a Senate seat, a race that could matter for the balance of power in Washington, USA Today reports.
Donalds Faces Sharp Attacks From Within His Own Party
Byron Donalds enters the Republican primary as the clear frontrunner. Trump's endorsement gives him a massive advantage in a party where loyalty to the former president still drives voter turnout. But not everyone on the right is lining up behind him, according to Chieftain.
Conservative activist James Fishback has gone hard after Donalds, calling him a "slave to his donors" and a "DEI Republican." The attacks are unusual — Donalds is Black, and Fishback is using a term often weaponized by the right against diversity programs to question Donalds' conservative credentials, Herald Mail Media reports.
Democrats See a Blue Wave Chance in a Deep-Red State
On the Democratic side, former Republican congressman David Jolly leads the field. That party-switch story is central to his pitch. Jolly argues that rising economic anxiety and national anti-Trump sentiment could fuel a rare Democratic win in Florida, according to Gainesville.
Florida has not elected a Democratic governor since Lawton Chiles won in 1994 — over 30 years ago. Jolly believes a predicted blue wave, driven by frustration over costs and governance, could finally break that losing streak, Ocala reports.
Florida Democrats Also Fighting Amongst Themselves
The Democratic primary is not just about Jolly. The race has exposed a deep split inside the Florida Democratic Party. The establishment backs one direction, while progressive outsiders are pushing hard in the other, according to Gaston Gazette.
Candidates Oliver Larkin and Elijah Manely represent the progressive wing challenging party insiders. The factional fight could weaken Democrats heading into a general election they already face long odds to win, Lubbock Online reports.
Alaska Senate Race Could Shift Washington Power Balance
Beyond Florida, Alaska is holding a critical Senate primary. Democrat Mary Peltola — who previously held Alaska's lone U.S. House seat — is now running for the Senate. A Peltola win in November would add to Democratic efforts to reclaim a Senate majority, according to The Daily Record.
Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system, which has helped Peltola win before in a state that typically leans Republican. Democrats are watching closely to see if that same dynamic can lift her in a statewide Senate race, USA Today reports.
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