Tuesday is a big primary day. Here are key races to watch

Six states—California, Iowa, Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, and New Mexico—are holding primary elections on Tuesday, but California and Iowa are the focal points due to high-stakes races. California’s unique primary system allows the top two vote-getters, regardless of party, to advance to November’s general election. With term-limited Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom unable to seek re-election, voters will also decide on replacements for five newly drawn Democratic-leaning congressional districts. In Iowa, Democrats face a critical Senate race where their nominee will compete against the Republican incumbent, with the party needing to flip four seats to secure a majority. The state’s gubernatorial primary offers Democrats their best chance in years to regain control of the office, though Republicans still must finalize their nominee. California’s gubernatorial race has seen significant upheaval after former Vice President Kamala Harris, Senator Alex Padilla, and Attorney General Rob Bonta declined to run, leaving over 60 candidates vying for the top two spots. Former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, once the frontrunner, dropped out amid sexual misconduct allegations. Current frontrunners include Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, who brings extensive political experience, and billionaire Tom Steyer, who has spent over $213 million of his own fortune on the campaign. Steyer’s platform emphasizes combating corporate influence, while Becerra positions himself as a proven leader capable of defending California from national threats. Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host, trails Becerra and Steyer in polls but remains a serious contender. His campaign focuses on fiscal responsibility and reducing regulatory burdens. The race’s outcome will determine whether California’s next governor aligns more closely with progressive or centrist policies, with implications for the state’s future direction. Iowa’s Senate primary pits Democrats against each other in a race to challenge Republican incumbent Joni Ernst, whose re-election is considered likely but could tighten if Democrats unite behind a strong candidate. Meanwhile, the gubernatorial race features a crowded Democratic field, including Attorney General Tom Miller, who has positioned himself as a moderate alternative to more progressive challengers. New Jersey and Montana also hold primaries, though with less national attention. New Jersey’s Democratic governor, Phil Murphy, faces a primary challenge from progressive challenger Andy Kim, while Montana’s Republican governor, Greg Gianforte, is unopposed in his primary. The results from these states could provide early indicators of voter sentiment ahead of the November general election.