Six-State Primary Day: Trump Challenges GOP Loyalists as Voters Decide Congress Control
Voters in six U.S. states held primaries on May 19, with fierce Republican contests between Trump-backed candidates and party incumbents viewed as disloyal. The elections could determine the balance of power in Congress, with the Kentucky House race becoming the costliest in U.S. history.
Major Primary Day Underway
Polls have begun to close on the busiest primary election day so far in the 2026 midterms, starting with contentious contests in Kentucky. In several Republican primaries, President Trump's grip on his own party will be tested, like the challenge GOP Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie faces from Trump-backed candidate Ed Gallrein.
Trump's Influence on Ballot
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned for the candidate challenging Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie ahead of today's Republican primary election, an unusual move for a cabinet secretary. The Pentagon pushed back on criticism that the move politicized the military, saying Hegseth's appearance was in a personal capacity. Hegseth's appearance with Massie's challenger, Ed Gallrein, came just a day before one of the most contentious Republican primary battles of the 2026 election cycle, which has become the most expensive House primary race in U.S. history.
Statewide Contests
In addition to Kentucky, Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, and Pennsylvania will hold statewide primary elections today.
Critical Senate and Gubernatorial Races
Many of the top races are likely to head to runoffs, including the Republican race to face incumbent Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in one of the most competitive U.S. Senate races in the country. Democrats and Republicans will also pick their nominees to replace term-limited Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in what is expected to be another expensive, closely watched race this November.