A rare Trump setback, a missing congressman and Spencer Pratt: 6 takeaways from the latest midterm primaries

Key Points:

• Democratic state representative Josh Turek, supported by the party establishment for his compelling personal story including competing in four Paralympics, won his primary and will face Republican Ashley Hinson in November; his victory is significant as Democrats aim to retain key seats like Michigan’s open seat on August 4.
• Former President Trump's endorsement streak suffered a rare setback in Iowa, where his backed candidate Randy Feenstra narrowly lost the Republican primary for governor to Zach Lahn, providing Democrats with a strong opportunity to flip the governorship with nominee Rob Sand.
• The California gubernatorial race remains chaotic with about 60 candidates vying to succeed term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom, including notable Democrats Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton with Trump’s endorsement; the primary results will signal voter appetite for change amid state challenges.
• In Republican strongholds like Montana and South Dakota, Democrats are increasingly supporting independent candidates over their own nominees to improve competitiveness, reflecting the party’s weakened brand in these areas and strategic efforts to challenge Republican incumbents.
• Deb Haaland, Biden’s interior secretary and the first Native American Cabinet member, secured the Democratic nomination for New Mexico governor and could become the first Native American woman elected governor, facing Republican Greggory Hull in the general election.