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.
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.
While the focus will be on the state's presidential primary Tuesday, some New Hampshire residents will also be able to weigh in on vacancies in the State House.
Continuing a tradition that dates to 1960, the residents of Dixville Notch, a small community in the northern part of New Hampshire, will cast the nation's first presidential primary votes at midnight (Eastern Time).
There are six registered voters, four Republicans and two independents, the latter of whom can vote in either party primary. Once all six of the votes are cast, the polling place is allowed to close and report its results. This should happen fairly quickly after midnight.
North Dakota Republican Gov. Doug Burgum announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he will not seek a third term this year.
Today we announced that we will not seek a third term as governor.
Serving as governor and first lady of North Dakota has been one of the most incredible and rewarding experiences of our lives. We are eternally grateful to the citizens for giving us this opportunity. pic.twitter.com/6vOv0Lqgey
While no specific reason was cited, Burgum was supportive of a term limits initiative approved by voters in 2022 that will limit future governors to two terms in a lifetime.
Rep. Jeff Duncan (SC-03) announced his retirement today. This brings to 41 the number of current members retiring, resigning, or seeking another office this year.
There is one special election on Tuesday. It is for a battleground district in the Florida House. Polls close at 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
Florida State House District 35
Republicans hold a commanding 84-35 majority in the Florida House of Representatives. There is one vacancy to be filled via this special election. Members serve two-year terms; the next elections are in November.