US primaries test Democrat comeback hopes in Trump’s stronghold

In the recent US primaries, Democrats faced a challenging environment as they tested their comeback hopes in Florida, a state that has shifted rightward over the past decade. President Donald Trump carried Florida with a 13-point margin in 2024, and Republicans had a significant advantage in statewide offices, thanks to newly redrawn congressional boundaries that gave them four clear opportunities to flip Democratic-held House seats.

The political climate seemed favorable for Republicans, with Steve Kornacki, an NBC elections analyst, stating that Democrats needed every additional seat they could get. However, Florida Democrats sought evidence that they could still compete statewide. Prominent Trump critic David Jolly, now a Democrat, was favored for the gubernatorial nomination.

Additionally, Rep. Byron Donalds, backed by Trump, was widely expected to succeed DeSantis as Florida's first Black governor, facing competition from businessman James Fishback.

The Democratic Senate primary featured retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman, a key witness in Trump's first impeachment, against a left-wing state legislator. Republicans also had several contentious House primaries, including a lawmaker accused of assault and revenge porn, an Israel supporter with anti-Muslim rhetoric, and a social media personality with an anti-Semitic campaign.

Florida was not the only state voting that day. Alaska held primaries for Senate and House races, while Wyoming Republicans chose nominees for governor, Senate, and an open House seat. In California, a special congressional election was held to replace Eric Swalwell, who resigned in April amid sexual misconduct allegations he denied.

Outside spending from pro-Israel lobby AIPAC groups significantly influenced the California race. Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida's Republican primary, despite previously criticizing mail voting as corrupt.