As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, several key races and developments are capturing national attention. From Alaska’s unique Senate race to Florida’s gubernatorial contest, these primaries are set to influence the political trajectory of the nation.
The primaries in Alaska, Florida, Wyoming, and California’s 14th District are not just about choosing candidates; they are about setting the stage for the fiercely contested midterms this fall. With control of Congress hanging in the balance, these races are more critical than ever.
Alaska’s Unique Senate Race
In Alaska, the GOP primary is particularly intriguing as it pits Sen. Dan Sullivan against a candidate with the same name. This unusual matchup adds a layer of complexity to Sullivan’s tough re-election race against former Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the Senate’s balance of power.
Florida’s Gubernatorial Contest
Florida’s gubernatorial race is another highlight, with Rep. Byron Donalds, endorsed by President Donald Trump, leading the Republican field. Donalds is vying to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis and could make history as the first Black governor of the state. On the Democratic side, David Jolly, a former Republican congressman turned Trump critic, is the leading contender.
The Florida GOP winner will likely face Jolly in the general election, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown. This race is not just about the candidates; it’s about the future direction of the state.
Redistricting and Its Impact
A GOP-led redrawing of Florida’s congressional map has created some awkward matchups, particularly in the South Florida district that is almost majority Black. Veteran Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is facing former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in a contentious race that has raised questions about representation and stirred deep animosity.
Wasserman Schultz, seeking a 12th term in Congress, is the only white candidate competing against four Black candidates in an area that has helped send Black Democrats to Congress since 1992. Her decision to run has sparked charges of betrayal and deepened the divide within the Democratic Party.
Notable Candidates and Scandals
The race to fill Donalds’ House seat features a cast of characters that reads like a reality show. The field includes several candidates with checkered pasts, including former members of Congress who are mounting comeback bids after departing in scandal. Former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn and former New York Rep. Chris Collins, both of whom resigned amid controversy, are among the candidates vying for the seat.
Other notable candidates include Catalina Lauf, who ran twice for Congress in Illinois, and John Strand, a former television actor and underwear model who served prison time for his role in the Jan. 6, 2026 assault on the U.S. Capitol. This diverse field of candidates adds an element of unpredictability to the race.
Progressive vs. Establishment Candidates
The internal battle between progressive and establishment candidates that has been roiling the Democratic Party in states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan is now playing out in Florida. This divide is not just about ideology; it’s about the future direction of the Democratic Party.
As voters head to the polls, the outcomes of these races will provide a referendum on President Donald Trump’s second term and offer a glimpse into the political landscape of the nation. With so much at stake, these primaries are more than just a stepping stone; they are a critical juncture in the political process.
