Part X continues right where Part IX left off. I’ll note competitive general election races with a (!), races in which the party’s preferred or expected candidate won with an (X), and incumbents with an asterisk. I’ll skip over executive offices other than governor and may have to upload this piece in several installments. With so much to look at, I’ll keep the analysis to a minimum and leave out safe House races in large states. Only nominees will be noted as mentioning competitors takes up way too much space.
Part X: Late August
Alaska (Gov, House, August 21st): Alaska is unusual in that it’s rarely competitive at the presidential level but still has plenty to watch in other races. It’s currently the only state governed by an independent, and the state house is run by a coalition of Democrats, independents, and Republicans. That’s going to change as former Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) has thrown his hat in the ring, as has state senator Mike Dunleavy (R).
Results: Gov (!) Mark Begich (D/X) and Mike Dunleavy (R/X); Gov. Bill Walker (I-AK) dropped out. House (!): AK-AL: Don Young* (R/X) and Alyse Galvin (I, but nominated by Democrats).
Wyoming (Gov, Sen, House, August 21st): Wyoming is practically as red as Vermont is blue, but it’s important to note that Gov. Matt Mead (R-WY) was preceded by a two-term Democrat, Dave Freudenthal. In spite of that, the governor’s mansion is highly unlikely to change hands. In the Senate race, 2006 House nominee Gary Trauner (D), who ran a close race then, wants to keep it close against Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY).
Results: Gov: Mark Gordon (R) and Mary Throne (D/X). Sen: John Barrasso* (R/X) and Gary Trauner (D/X). House: WY-AL: Liz Cheney* (R/X) and Greg Hunter (D/X).
Arizona (Gov, Sen, House, August 28th): Arizona is a state that eluded Hillary Clinton by only a few points. It’s currently Republican on every other level, but it’s possible that will change after November. The House delegation is poised to flip from 5R-4D to 5D-4R. In the Senate race, Democrats are hoping that Rep. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ-9) can fend off Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ-2) to pick up the Senate seat vacated by Senator and sometime Trump critic Jeff Flake (R-AZ).
Results: Gov: Doug Ducey* (R/X) and David Garcia (D). Sen (!): Kyrsten Sinema (D/X) and Martha McSally (R). House: 3 incumbent Democrats and 4 incumbent Republicans easily won renomination. AZ-1 (!): Tom O’Halleran* (D/X) and Wendy Rogers (R). AZ-2 (!): Ann Kirkpatrick (D) and Lea Marquez Peterson (R). AZ-8 (!): Debbie Lesko* (R/X) and Hiral Tipirneni (D/X). AZ-9: Greg Stanton (D/X) and Steve Ferrara (R/X).
Florida (Gov, Sen, House, August 28th): True to form, races in Florida are sure to maintain its reputation as a swing state. Gov. Rick Scott (R-FL) is term-limited and decided to challenge Sen. Bill Nelson (D-FL), giving Nelson a scare and possibly stealing his seat. Competitive primaries on both sides determined who would succeed Scott as governor. At the same time, House seats either won by Hillary Clinton or with retiring incumbents are up for grabs.
Results: Gov (!): Andrew Gillum (D) and Ron DeSantis (R). Sen (!): Bill Nelson* (D/X) and Rick Scott (R/X). House (!): FL-6: Nancy Soderberg (D) and Michael Waltz (R). FL-7: Stephanie Murphy* (D/X) and Mike Miller (R). FL-15: Kristen Carlson (D) and Ross Spano (R). FL-16: Vern Buchanan* (R/X) and David Shapiro (D). FL-18: Brian Mast* (R/X) and Lauren Baer (D/X). FL-19: Francis Rooney* (R/X) and David Holden (D/X). FL-25: Mario Diaz-Balart* (R/X) and Mary Barzee Flores (D/X). FL-26: Carlos Curbelo* (R/X) and Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (D/X). FL-27: Donna Shalala (D/X) and Maria Salazar (R).
Oklahoma (runoffs, August 28th): The establishment lost their wish when businessman Kevin Stitt defeated Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett to become the Republican gubernatorial nominee.
Results: Gov (!)/(R): Kevin Stitt, 55%, Mick Cornett, 45%. OK-1: Kevin Hern (R) and Tim Gilpin. OK-2 (D): Jason Nichols. OK-4 (D): Mary Brannon. OK-5 (!)/(D): Kendra Horn.