Alexander SammonUpdated on: October 9, 2024 12:51 pm GMT
Primaries Heat Up in Delaware, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island as 2024 Election Cycle Approaches
As the 2024 general election looms just weeks away, primary contests are intensifying in three pivotal states: Delaware, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. With unique political landscapes and imminent vacancies, these primaries feature a mix of familiar faces and newcomers vying for crucial positions in government.
Delaware: A Transition of Power
In Delaware, the political stage is set for a competitive primary season as two major Democratic figures, U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Governor John Carney, prepare to step aside. Carper’s departure opens the door for candidates vying to secure a place in the U.S. Senate, while Carney’s inability to run for a third gubernatorial term creates an equally competitive race for the state’s top executive role.
Senate Candidates
Democratic U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and Republican former Walmart executive Eric Hansen appear poised to claim their parties’ nominations for the Senate seat previously held by Carper. Notably, both candidates will not be on the ballot for the upcoming primaries, having already effectively secured their nominations.
Gubernatorial Race Dynamics
Carney is pivoting to run for mayor of Wilmington as he completes his second term. In the Democratic primary, he faces off against former state treasurer Velda Jones-Potter, along with and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long, New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, and former Natural Resources Secretary Collin O’Mara. Hall-Long’s campaign has drawn attention following a forensic audit that revealed financial discrepancies, which she maintains were mere bookkeeping errors.
For the Republicans, retired police officer Jerry Price, state House Minority Leader Michael Ramone, and small business owner Bobby Williamson are in contention, each hoping to gain a foothold in this increasingly open race.
New Hampshire: A State Divided
New Hampshire, known for its influential primary impact, is equally bustling with activity. With incumbent Governor Chris Sununu opting not to seek another term after four successful ones, both Democratic and Republican parties are preparing for fierce battle.
Governor’s Race
Democratic candidates include former Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig and New Hampshire Executive Councilor Cinde Warmington, both leading the charge for their party. On the Republican side, former Senator Kelly Ayotte and Chuck Morse are the frontrunners.
Congressional Contests
In New Hampshire’s First Congressional District, the Republican primary sees seven candidates, while the Second Congressional District features Maggie Goodlander and Colin Van Ostern vying for the Democratic nomination. There are notable Republican challenges as well, with 13 candidates contesting for the district.
Additional Legislative Races
Several state legislative primary races are also heating up across New Hampshire, particularly within Rockingham County. Several districts are witnessing tightly contested battles among candidates vying for both Democratic and Republican nominations, indicating a robust political environment as the state gears up for the general election.
Rhode Island: An Expected Challenge
Rhode Island’s political landscape is marked by U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse facing a primary challenge by Mike Costa, though Whitehouse is predicted to maintain his position. The Republican primary is heating up, with state representative Patricia Morgan and Raymond McKay in contention to challenge Whitehouse in the November elections.
What Voters Need to Know
The elections taking place on September 10 across these three states provide voters not only with a chance to shape future leadership but also to engage in vital discussions surrounding local and national issues.
- Delaware residents will select nominees to fill the vacated Senate and gubernatorial seats.
- New Hampshire’s voters will influence key gubernatorial and congressional races that may define the state’s future political landscape.
- Rhode Island voters can look forward to shaping the U.S. Senate landscape as well.
Voters are urged to check their registration status, polling places, and, where applicable, to explore absentee ballot options to ensure their participation in these critical elections, shaping the pathways for state and national governance in the coming years.
To learn more about voting, you can check your local election resources. They can help you understand how to vote and when you need to do it.
