2026 Primary Elections
The nominees for November's midterms get picked in a series of late-summer primaries. These are the four with the biggest statewide stakes; results appear here the morning after each contest.
Michigan: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Michigan hosts two of the biggest primaries of 2026: an open US Senate seat (Gary Peters retiring) rated a general-election Toss-up, and an open governorship (Gretchen Whitmer term-limited) rated Lean D.
Minnesota: Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Minnesota has two open statewide races: Tina Smith's US Senate seat and the governorship after Tim Walz ended his reelection bid. Both are rated Likely D, but both DFL primaries are genuinely contested.
Florida: Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Florida decides nominees for a US Senate special election (the remainder of Marco Rubio's term, defended by appointed incumbent Ashley Moody) and an open governorship with Ron DeSantis term-limited. Both are rated Likely R.
New Hampshire: Tuesday, September 8, 2026
New Hampshire picks nominees for Jeanne Shaheen's open US Senate seat (rated Lean D) and for governor, where incumbent Kelly Ayotte seeks a second term (rated Lean R).