WASHINGTON, United States — Voters in Florida and Alaska head to the polls on Tuesday in primary elections that could provide an early indication of the political battle for control of Congress in November. The contests are drawing particular attention because Florida’s new congressional map could strengthen Republican prospects in the House, while Alaska’s unusual Senate primary could test Democratic competitiveness in a state that has generally favored Republicans.
- Florida’s new congressional map could help Republicans gain as many as four House seats.
- Alaska’s Senate primary features incumbent Republican Dan S. Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola on the same nonpartisan ballot.
- Two candidates named Dan Sullivan are competing in Alaska, potentially creating voter confusion.
- Florida voters will also choose nominees for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Florida primary tests impact of new congressional map
Florida’s election is the first statewide test of a new congressional district map approved by the Republican-controlled legislature this spring. The redrawing is expected to give Republicans an advantage in several districts and could increase their House delegation to as many as 24 Republicans compared with four Democrats.
The changes have forced several Democratic incumbents to seek election in districts different from those they previously represented. The redistricting is part of a broader wave of congressional map changes undertaken in several states during the past year.
President Donald Trump won Florida by 13 percentage points in 2024, adding to the Republican Party’s strength in the state. Democrats now face a difficult electoral landscape as they attempt to limit Republican gains in the House.
Debbie Wasserman Schultz faces new Democratic contest
Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who was first elected to Congress in 2004, is seeking the Democratic nomination in Florida’s 20th Congressional District, which is centered in Broward County. Her previous district was redrawn in a way that favored Republicans.
Her campaign has drawn criticism from activists concerned about Black representation in Congress. Several Black candidates are also competing for the Democratic nomination, including rapper Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress in April after facing criminal charges related to allegations that she stole $5 million in disaster relief funds. She has denied wrongdoing.
Florida House races feature several competitive contests
Representative Jared Moskowitz is another Democratic incumbent navigating a newly drawn district. In the 25th Congressional District, political activist Oliver Larkin is seeking the Democratic nomination and has received an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America.
Five Republicans are competing for their party’s nomination in that district, including former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer. The district stretches along Florida’s Atlantic Coast from Miami Beach to Delray Beach.
The 22nd District has also been redrawn to favor Republicans. Seven Republicans, including entrepreneur Michael Carbonara and university executive Belinda Keiser, are competing for the nomination, while Pia Dandiya and Kaysia Earley are seeking the Democratic nomination.
In the Tampa Bay area, eight Republicans are competing for the chance to challenge Democratic Representative Kathy Castor in the 14th District, which has also been given a Republican tilt under the new map.
Florida governor and Senate contests also draw attention
The Florida primary extends beyond congressional races, with voters also selecting party nominees for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Republican Representative Byron Donalds is widely viewed as the leading candidate for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, while Republican-turned-Democrat David Jolly is expected to secure the Democratic nomination.
In the Senate contest, Republican Ashley Moody is expected to win the Republican nomination. She was appointed to the chamber after Marco Rubio left the Senate to become U.S. secretary of state, and the seat’s current term runs through January 2029.
Former U.S. Army officer Alex Vindman, who testified during Trump’s first impeachment, is favored to secure the Democratic nomination. Nonpartisan analysts consider Democrats underdogs in both the governor’s and Senate races heading into November.
Alaska Senate primary creates unusual matchup
Alaska presents a different test for the parties. The state’s nonpartisan Senate primary includes Republican incumbent Dan S. Sullivan and Democratic candidate Mary Peltola, a moderate who previously represented Alaska’s sole House district.
Some opinion polls have shown Peltola ahead of Sullivan, an unusual position in a state that typically favors Republican candidates. Democrats see Alaska as one of their stronger opportunities as they seek the four additional Senate seats needed to take control of the 100-member chamber.
The race has an additional complication because another Republican candidate named Dan J. Sullivan remains on the ballot. The presence of two candidates with the same first and last names could create uncertainty for voters.
Alaska’s primary will advance the top four candidates to the November election. The state’s ranked-choice voting system could also benefit Peltola if she is able to consolidate support from independent voters.
Alaska House race adds another contest
The congressional battle in Alaska also features incumbent Republican Representative Nick Begich III. He faces former school administrator Bill Hill, who is listed as an independent and has previously donated to Democratic candidates.
Hill is competing against Begich and 13 other candidates on the ballot, making the House contest another race to watch as voters assess the political landscape ahead of the November elections.
Why the primaries matter for November
The Florida and Alaska contests offer two contrasting snapshots of the 2026 congressional fight. Florida’s redrawn districts could make it harder for Democrats to defend House seats, while Alaska could provide an early measure of whether Democrats can compete effectively in a Republican-leaning state.
With control of both chambers at stake, the results will provide parties and political analysts with important signals about candidate strength, voter preferences and the competitiveness of November’s races.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Alaska’s Senate primary unusual?
Alaska is holding a nonpartisan primary in which Republican Senator Dan S. Sullivan and Democrat Mary Peltola are competing on the same ballot. Another candidate named Dan J. Sullivan is also running.
How could Florida’s new congressional map affect the House?
The new map is expected to strengthen Republicans in several districts and could potentially give the party up to four additional House seats, according to the supplied Reuters report.
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Content Creator of The Nation Bulletin, an independent digital news platform focused on delivering timely, reliable and meaningful news from India and around the world.
