Tuesday’s Primaries: Key Races in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming

As the primary season nears its conclusion on August 18, 2026, attention turns to Florida, Wyoming, California, and Alaska for Tuesday’s primary elections. According to reporting by the Associated Press, these contests highlight Republican-led redistricting efforts, high-profile congressional rematches, and intra-party battles that will shape the upcoming midterms to determine control of Congress.

Redistricting Scrambles Florida’s Congressional and Gubernatorial Maps

A Republican-led redrawing of Florida’s congressional map has created a series of contentious matchups ahead of Tuesday’s vote. According to Associated Press coverage published by Fox 44 News, the most intense battle in the state features veteran Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz against former U.S. Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in a South Florida district that is almost majority Black. Cherfilus-McCormick resigned earlier in the year under the threat of House ethics sanctions and is mounting a comeback bid in Broward County.

At the same time, the race to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis features Trump-backed Florida Rep. Byron Donalds. According to the Associated Press, Donalds is running to become the state’s first Black governor, positioning himself as part of a historic slate of Black gubernatorial nominees nationwide for the fall elections.

Alaska’s Unique Electoral Dynamics and the Sullivan Matchup

In Alaska, voters face distinct contests, including a high-profile U.S. Senate dynamic involving Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, alongside unique state primary ballots. According to the Toronto Star, Alaska’s voting landscape continues to draw national attention for its idiosyncratic candidate fields and ranked-choice voting environment.

Scandals, Comebacks, and Reality-TV Dynamics in House Races

Florida’s primary field for open congressional seats has drawn comparisons to a reality show reunion due to the inclusion of candidates with past legal controversies. According to the Associated Press, the field to replace Byron Donalds includes former North Carolina Rep. Madison Cawthorn, whose previous tenure faced multiple traffic and security controversies, and former New York Rep. Chris Collins, who served prison time for insider trading before receiving a presidential pardon.