What to know about Tuesday’s primaries in California, New Jersey, Montana | US Midterm Elections 2026 News

Voters in six US states are participating in primary elections that will set the battle lines for November’s midterm elections. In Iowa, Democrats are looking to make the state's Senate race competitive after Senator Joni Ernst announced her retirement. In New Jersey, incumbent Congress member Tom Kean Jr. faces a challenge from Democratic challenger Rebecca Bennett. In Montana, five Democrats are vying for Steve Daines’ vacant Senate seat, with Seth Bodnar running as an independent. California is holding primaries for no fewer than 52 House races, including the competitive 22nd district race. In South Dakota, Republican Marty Jackley is the most prominent candidate in the primary for Representative Dusty Johnson's open seat.