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Primary Extravaganza, Part XI

Part XI finished the series begun in Part I and continues where Part X 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 XI: September

Massachusetts (Gov, Sen, House, September 4th): Massachusetts is yet another state in New England with a federal-state split. Its congressional and electoral votes went entirely to Democrats, yet Gov. Charlie Baker is a Republican. Baker, like Gov. Larry Hogan (R-MD), is one of the most popular governors in the country. Baker has followed in the mold of former Gov. Mitt Romney (R-MA), governing as a moderate and working with the heavily Democratic legislature.

Results: Gov: Charlie Baker* (R/X) and Jay Gonzalez (D/X). Sen: Elizabeth Warren* (D/X) and Geoff Diehl (R/X). House: 6 incumbent Democrats were easily renominated and 5 challenger Republicans were easily nominated. MA-1: Richard Neal* (D/X) fended off Tahirah Amatul-Wadud (D). MA-3: Lori Trahan (D) and Rick Green (R/X). MA-7: Ayanna Pressley (D) successfully primaried Michael Capuano* (D).

Delaware (Sen, House, September 6th): There’s not a lot to see here. Delaware used to have a Republican Representative, but since 2011, the congressional delegation has been all Democrats. There are two statewide-elected Republicans in the state treasurer and auditor, but that’s about it.

Results: Sen: Thomas Carper* (D/X) and Robert Arlett (R/X). House: Lisa Rochester* (D/X) and Scott Walker (R/no, not that one).

New Hampshire (Gov, House, September 11th): New Hampshire and Vermont are the only two states left that elect governors to two-year terms. This means that Gov. Chris Sununu (R-NH) is the product of split-ticket voting, as the state’s electoral votes went to Hillary Clinton. He’s popular enough that he’ll probably pull it off again, even if both House seats go to Democrats. The fact that the 1st District was won by Donald Trump means that’s not a sure thing.

Results: Gov (!): Chris Sununu* (R/X) and Molly Kelly (D/X). House: NH-1 (!): Chris Pappas (D) and Eddie Edwards (R). NH-2: Ann Kuster* (D/X) and Steve Negron (R).

Rhode Island (Gov, Sen, House, September 12th): Rhode Island has been safely Democratic at all federal levels, but at the state level it’s a different story. The past two races have been competitive and featured at least three candidates. This time is no different as there will be a Democratic, Republican, and conservative independent candidate.

Results: Gov (!) Gina Raimondo* (D/X), Alan Fung (R/X), and Joe Trillo (I). Sen: Sheldon Whitehouse* (D/X) and Robert Flanders (R/X). House: RI-1: David Cicilline* (D/X) and Patrick Donovan (R/X). RI-2: Jim Langevin* (D/X) and Salvatore Caiozzo (R/X).

New York (Gov, September 13th): New York is unique in that it holds separate primaries for federal and state offices. This means that New Yorkers had to go to the polls in June and again in September. Gov. Andrew Cuomo was fiercely challenged by Sex and the City actress Cynthia Nixon, who ran to his left.

Results: Gov (D): Andrew Cuomo* (X) 66%, Cynthia Nixon 34%. Gov (R): Marc Molinaro (uncontested).

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There you have it. This was by no means a comprehensive list of all nominees for all offices on the ballot on November 6th, but it did mention all of the races widely regarded as competitive. Every major race in a state with seven or fewer congressmen was noted. Of course, now that I’ve finished this series, Election Day is two days away and I’m hoping to get together a full rundown before returns start coming in on Tuesday night.

*Note: all results are rounded and courtesy of the New York Times, which cites the AP

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