MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin’s U.S. Senate race will be officially decided in Tuesday’s primary, while the strength of former President Donald Trump’s support will be tested in the Republican primary for Congress, in which Democrats choose a candidate in a volatile House district to challenge a Republican incumbent.
Wisconsin voters must also decide whether to approve two constitutional amendments passed by the Republican-controlled Legislature that would strip powers from the governor.
If voters approve the amendments, legislative approval would be needed before the governor could spend federal money going to the state on disaster relief or other crises, unless the money has already been appropriated.
Democrats, including Governor Tony Evers, and a host of liberal groups and others, oppose the amendments, saying that if they pass, they would slow the distribution of money that should be spent quickly.
However, Republican proponents argue the measures will provide greater oversight and a check on the governor’s powers.
In the Senate race, Republican millionaire banker Eric Hovde, who has Trump’s endorsement, dominated the Republican primary, facing only nominal opposition. Hovde, who has poured $13 million of his own money into the race in just four months, is preparing to take on two-term Democratic incumbent Sen. Tammy Baldwin in the fall.
The race is crucial for Democrats if they want to retain their majority in the Senate.
In northeastern Wisconsin’s open 8th Congressional District, three Republicans are vying for a chance to succeed Rep. Mike Gallagher, a sometime Trump critic who stepped down in April.
Former gas station chain owner Tony Wied, who is running in his first race, is touting his support for Trump. The former president made a TV ad 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 his congressional district: Roger Roth, the former state Senate president 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, an obstetrician who filed a lawsuit to overturn Wisconsin’s abortion ban, is the only Democrat running.
Western Wisconsin’s 3rd Congressional District, which was represented by a Democrat for 26 years until it flipped seats in 2022, is the state’s most competitive district, resulting in a crowded Democratic primary for the chance to take on incumbent Republican Rep. Derrick Van Orden.
Van Orden, a former Navy SEAL who was at the Capitol during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and remains one of Trump’s loudest supporters in Wisconsin, is a top target for Democrats.
Former state Rep. Katrina Shankland is running in the Democratic primary against small business owner and former political activist Rebecca Cooke and political newcomer Eric Wilson.
The elections are also the first under new legislation that is more favorable to Democrats.
Sitting legislators face off in six primaries, including four for the state assembly. The new maps pit the candidates against each other.
The winners of Tuesday’s primaries will compete in November, when all 99 seats in the Assembly and half of the Senate will be on the ballot.
