MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s race for U.S. Senate will be officially decided in Tuesday’s primary, while the power of former President Donald Trump’s endorsement will be tested in a Republican primary for Congress, while Democrats decide on a candidate in a swing House district to take on a Republican Party incumbent.
Wisconsin voters are also deciding whether to approve two constitutional amendments passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would take power away from the governor.
The changes, if approved by voters, would require legislative approval before the governor could spend any federal money coming into the state for disaster relief or any other crisis, unless it was already set aside.
Democrats, including Gov. Tony Evers, and a number of liberal groups and others have organized against the changes, saying if they are adopted they will slow down the distribution of money when it needs to be spent quickly.
But Republican supporters say the measures will increase oversight and serve as a check on the governor’s powers.
In the Senate race, the Republican millionaire banker Eric Hovdewhich is endorsed by Trump, dominated the Republican primaries, facing only nominal opposition. Hovde, who has already invested $13 million of his own money into the race in just four months, is preparing to take on the current Democratic administration. Senator Tammy Baldwin in autumn.
The race is critical for Democrats to win if they want to maintain majority control of the Senate.
In northeast Wisconsin’s 8th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying for a chance to succeed Rep. Mike Gallagher, a sometimes Trump critic who resigned in April.
Former owner of gas station chain Tony Wiedrunning in his first race, touts his endorsement of Trump. The former president recorded a TV ad for Wied. The race will be a test to see how far Trump’s support can go, as Wied faces two challengers who won legislative races that include parts of the congressional district: Rogério Roth, the former president of the state Senate, supported by former governor Scott Walker, and André Jacquea current state senator who argues he is a “proven conservative fighter.”
Dr.an obstetrician who sued 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 before flipping in 2022, is the most competitive district in the state, resulting in a crowded Democratic primary for the chance to face incumbent Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Van Orden is a former Navy SEAL who was at the Capitol during the January 6, 2021, insurrection and remains one of Trump’s strongest supporters in Wisconsin. He is one of the Democrats’ main targets.
Longtime state representative. Katrina Shankland Faces Small Business Owner and Former Political Activist Rebecca Cooke and political newcomer Eric Wilson in the Democratic primary.
The election is also the first new legislative maps more favorable to Democrats.
Incumbents of legislative power face each other in six primaries, including four Assembly elections, where the new maps pit them against each other.
The winners of Tuesday’s primary will face off in November, when all 99 seats in the Assembly and half of the Senate are up for vote.
