Zohran Mamdani’s clout, a double Trump endorsement and more on the line in Tuesday’s primaries

Key Points:

• New York and several other states are holding key Democratic primaries that highlight the ongoing ideological battle within the party, with progressives challenging incumbents and interest groups spending heavily on issues like AI regulation, cryptocurrency, and pro-Israel policies.
• In New York’s 12th District, a major contest pits candidates supported by rival AI industry-backed super PACs, while Maryland’s race to replace Rep. Steny Hoyer features significant pro-Israel and pro-crypto spending backing state Del. Adrian Boafo.
• New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence is being tested as he backs progressive challengers against incumbents in several contentious primaries, including races involving Reps. Dan Goldman and Adriano Espaillat, with Israel policy and progressive platforms as central issues.
• On the Republican side, Trump’s endorsements have mostly succeeded in primaries, including in South Carolina’s gubernatorial runoff where he endorsed both leading candidates, but he faces some setbacks and dual endorsements to hedge bets.
• Other notable primaries include Maryland’s 6th District where wealthy candidates David Trone and April McClain Delaney face off, Utah’s newly competitive Democratic seat due to redistricting, and battleground races in New York’s 17th and 19th Districts that will be key in the general election.