MADISON, Wis. — The race for U.S. Senate in Wisconsin will be officially decided in Tuesday’s primary, while the strength of former President Donald Trump’s support will be tested in the Republican primaries for Congress, in which Democrats choose a candidate in a volatile House district to challenge a Republican incumbent.
Wisconsin voters also decide whether to elect two constitutional amendments passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature, which would strip the governor of his power.
If voters approve the amendments, legislative approval would be needed before the governor could spend federal money going to the state on disaster relief or other crises, unless the money has already been appropriated.
Democrats, including Governor Tony Evers, and a host of liberal groups and others, oppose the amendments, saying that if they pass, they would slow the distribution of money that should be spent quickly.
However, Republican proponents argue the measures will provide greater oversight and a check on the governor’s powers.
In Senate race, Republican millionaire banker Eric Hovdewho is backed by Trump, has dominated the Republican primaries and has faced only nominal opposition. Hovde, who has already poured $13 million of his own money into the race in just four months, is preparing for a showdown with a Democratic incumbent Senator Tammy Baldwin in the fall.
The race is crucial for Democrats if they want to retain their majority in the Senate.
In northeastern Wisconsin’s open 8th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying for a chance to succeed Rep. Mike Gallagher, a sometime Trump critic who stepped down in April.
Former owner of a gas station chain Tony Wiedwho is running his first race, touts his support from Trump. The former president made a TV ad for Wied. The race will be a test of how far Trump’s support can go, as Wied faces two challengers who have won legislative races that include parts of his congressional district: Roger Roth, the former president of the state Senate, who is backed by former Gov. Scott Walker, and André Jacquesa current senator who claims he is the “proven conservative fighter.”
Doctor Kristin LyerlyA gynecologist who filed a lawsuit to overturn Wisconsin’s abortion ban is the only Democrat running.
Western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, which was represented by a Democrat for 26 years until it flipped seats in 2022, is the state’s most competitive district, resulting in a crowded Democratic primary for the chance to take on incumbent Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL who was at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and remains one of Trump’s loudest supporters in Wisconsin, is a top target for Democrats.
Representative of the state for many years. Katrina Shankland faces small business owner and former political activist Rebecca Kok and political newcomer Eric Wilson in the Democratic primaries.
The election is also the first under new legislative maps more favorable to the Democrats.
Sitting legislators face off in six primaries, including four for the state assembly. The new maps pit the candidates against each other.
The winners of Tuesday’s primaries will compete in November, when all 99 seats in the Assembly and half of the Senate will be on the ballot.