WASHINGTON, Aug 19 (Alliance News): Americans voted in primary elections on Tuesday as Democrats sought to regain ground in Florida, a former US battleground state that has shifted strongly toward Republicans in recent years.
Florida has become increasingly Republican, with President Donald Trump winning the state by 13 points in 2024. However, Democrats need a net gain of only three seats to regain control of the House of Representatives, making Florida important to both parties.
A Republican-backed redistricting plan pushed by Governor Ron DeSantis has created four opportunities for Republicans to capture Democratic-held House seats. Several Democratic lawmakers are now competing in districts that have become significantly more Republican.
In a major Democratic Senate primary upset, left-wing state legislator Angie Nixon defeated retired Army Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Vindman and will face Republican Ashley Moody in the general election.
The primary elections also featured closely watched gubernatorial contests. Former Republican congressman David Jolly, now a Democrat and prominent Trump critic, was favoured to win the Democratic nomination, while Republicans were expected to select Trump-backed Congressman Byron Donalds to succeed DeSantis.
Other primaries were held in Alaska and Wyoming, while California voters took part in a special congressional election to replace former Representative Eric Swalwell.
The results are being closely watched for signs of whether Democrats can rebuild support ahead of the November congressional elections, while Republicans seek to protect their narrow House majority.
