With less than five months until the US midterm elections, which will determine control of Congress and the success of President Donald Trump's final two years in office, primary races are underway. On Tuesday, three states — Utah, Maryland, and New York — will hold primaries, joined by South Carolina for runoff elections.

In Utah, redistricting has taken center stage. After voters approved an independent redistricting commission in 2018, Republicans in the legislature repealed it and imposed their own map in 2021. A court ruling in 2025 blocked the splitting of Salt Lake County, creating Utah's first Democratic-leaning district since 2021. The Democratic primary for the 1st Congressional District features a four-way race between former Mayor Ben McAdams and state Senator Nate Blouin, with an open primary allowing Republicans and independents to participate.

Maryland's state Senate President Bill Ferguson faces a rare primary challenge from fellow Democrat Bobby LaPin over his refusal to redraw congressional districts. Ferguson argued that legal risks and potential court intervention made redistricting too dangerous, but critics say he failed to protect Democratic voters.

South Carolina's Republican gubernatorial runoff features Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson. President Trump initially endorsed Evette but later endorsed both candidates, a move critics see as hedging after previous endorsements failed.

In New York's 12th Congressional District, eight Democrats are vying to replace retiring Representative Jerry Nadler. The diverse field includes former Republican George Conway, Kennedy family scion Jack Schlossberg, and state Assembly members Alex Bores and Micah Lasher. Polls show a tight race, with AI regulation and political experience as key issues.

Source: www.aljazeera.com