MADISON, Wis. (AP) – Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race is officially set for Tuesday’s primary, while the strength of former President Donald Trump’s support will be tested in the Republican congressional primaries as Democrats decide on a candidate in a swing room district. In the GOP incumbent.
Wisconsin voters will also decide whether to approve two constitutional amendments passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would take away power from the governor.
If voters approve the changes, they would require legislative approval before the governor could use federal money coming to the state for disaster relief or other crises, unless it has already been appropriated.
Democrats, including Gov. Tony Evers, and a host of liberal groups and others organized against the changes, saying that if passed, it would slow down the distribution of money when it needs to be spent quickly.
But Republican supporters say the measures increase oversight and serve as a check on the governor’s power.
In the Senate race, Eric Hovde, a Republican millionaire banker backed by Trump, has dominated the Republican primaries and faces only nominal opposition. Hovde, who has already poured $13 million of his own money into the race in just four months, is preparing to face two-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Tammy Baldwin in the fall.
Democrats can win the race if they hope to retain control of the Senate majority.
In northeastern Wisconsin’s open 8th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying to succeed Rep. Mike Gallagher, an occasional Trump critic, who resigned in April.
Former gas station chain owner Tony Wied, who is running in his first race, talks about endorsing Trump. The former president cut a TV commercial 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 the congressional district: Roger Roth, a former president of the state Senate, who is backed by former Gov. Scott. Walker and Andre Jacque, a current state senator who claims to be a “proven conservative fighter.”
Dr. Kristin Lyerly, the obstetrician who sued to overturn Wisconsin’s abortion ban, is the only Democrat running.
Western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, held by a Democrat for 26 years before flipping in 2022, is the most competitive district in the state, setting up a crowded Democratic primary 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 uprising and remains one of Trump’s most vocal supporters in Wisconsin. He is the main target of the Democrats.
Longtime state Rep. Katrina Shankland faces small business owner and former political activist Rebecca Cooke and political newcomer Eric Wilson in the Democratic primary.
The elections are also the first under the new legislative maps more favorable to the Democrats.
Lawmakers face each other in six primaries, including four Assembly races where the new maps pitted them against each other.
The winners of Tuesday’s primary will face off in November, when all 99 Assembly seats and half of the Senate are on the ballot.
