Election News

Author Marianne Williamson has ended her bid for the Democratic nomination. This leaves Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) as the only well-known challenger to President Joe Biden.

Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) has will run for reelection this year after all. The decision comes almost exactly a year after the two-term Republican became one of the first incumbents this cycle to announce her retirement.

As Fox News notes, "The announcement puts a damper on campaign plans of the nine Republicans who have filed to run for her seat. Spartz is barely meeting Indiana's filing deadline, which requires candidates to submit paperwork by [February 9]."  However, it doesn't look like those other candidates are backing off; some have launched attacks on the incumbent.

The statewide primary is May 7.

Nevada is next up on the presidential calendar, with primaries for both parties on Tuesday. The Republican primary will have no weight; the party will have a separate caucus on Thursday to award its delegates.

Only registered party members may participate in a primary, but the state does offer same-day registration.

Given the dynamics at work, each of Tuesday's primaries should give added visibility to "None of These Candidates", a ballot line unique to Nevada.

While most interest this Tuesday is on the Nevada Presidential Primary, there is also one special primary election.

Massachusetts State House 6th Worcester District

Democrats hold a 134-24 supermajority in the 160-member Massachusetts House of Representatives. There is one independent and one vacancy. Members serve two-year terms; the next elections are in November.

The first sanctioned Democratic primary of 2024 takes place Saturday in South Carolina. President Joe Biden faces two long shot challengers in Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) and author Marianne Williamson. 

In the only public poll of the race, Biden saw 69% support, with Phillips at 5% and Williamson at 3%. If the actual results are anywhere close to that, Biden will win all of the state's delegates.

Polls close at 7:00 PM Eastern Time. 

Rep. Brian Higgins (D, NY-26) will leave the House of Representatives on Friday. He will transition to a new role as the President and CEO of Shea's Performing Arts Center in Buffalo. Higgins announced his departure back in November.

Once his resignation is official, the House will be at 431 members, with four vacancies. Republicans will hold a 219-212 partisan advantage. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul must call a special election within 10 days; it is likely to take place in April. Party officials in the affected areas will choose the nominees.

This Tuesday, we'll have results for a State House special election runoff in Texas, as well as special primaries in Michigan and South Carolina.

Texas State House District 2 (Runoff)

Republicans hold an 85-64 partisan advantage in the Texas House of Representatives. Members serve two-year terms; the next elections are in November.

Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger announced his retirement Friday. The eleven-term incumbent represents a safely Democratic district in the central part of the state, extending from the Pennsylvania border south to portions of the Baltimore area. He won his final term by a 59% to 41% margin in 2022.

In a press release from his office, Ruppersberger said "This was an incredibly difficult decision for me because, now more than ever, Congress needs thoughtful, end-game representatives like me – members who care more about constituents and our country and less about cable news hits. But it is time to pass the torch to a younger generation of leaders and I am looking forward to spending more time with my family."

Kelly Armstrong, the at-large representative for North Dakota, said Tuesday that he will run for governor this year. Armstrong will look to succeed fellow Republican Doug Burgum, who announced his retirement the previous day.

It’s time to bring the fight back home. pic.twitter.com/QShdMkO9jY

— Kelly Armstrong (@Armstrong_ND) January 23, 2024

Armstrong is in his third term in the U.S. House. He won by 25% over an independent candidate in 2022. Democratic nominee Mark Haugen withdrew before the election. The seat is safely Republican in 2024.

The governorship is also expected to remain under GOP control; the state last elected a Democrat to that position in 1988. 

41 current House members - 23 Democrats and 18 Republicans - are not seeking reelection this year. That number includes retirements, those running for another office, and one pending resignation.

For over 100 years, New Hampshire has had the first presidential primary.  That tradition continues this year, although things are a little convoluted on the Democratic side.

Polls close at either 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM Eastern Time. Generally, polling places in larger cities and towns are open until the later time. For a full statewide list, click here.

While first results are expected in the 7:00 PM hour, no race calls will be made until after the final polls close.