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Voters in six states head to the polls Tuesday, but the biggest political battles are unfolding in California and Iowa, where closely watched gubernatorial and Senate primaries could shape the fight for control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections.
California voters will narrow the field in the race to succeed term-limited Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, while Iowa Democrats will select a nominee in a key Senate contest viewed as part of the party’s effort to expand the electoral map and compete in Republican-leaning states.
The elections also feature several competitive congressional races, including newly redrawn districts in California that could influence the balance of power in the U.S. House.
California Voters Narrow Governor’s Race
California’s top-two primary system sends the two highest vote-getters to the general election regardless of party affiliation, creating the possibility of a November contest between two Democrats.
The race to replace Newsom has become unusually competitive after several high-profile Democrats declined to run, leaving voters without a clear front-runner. More than 60 candidates appear on the ballot, though only a handful are considered serious contenders.
Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra and billionaire philanthropist Tom Steyer have emerged as leading candidates. Becerra, a former congressman and California attorney general, has campaigned on his experience in government and his ability to challenge President Donald Trump’s policies.
Steyer, who has poured more than $213 million of his own money into the race, has focused on reducing the influence of special interests in politics and promoting progressive economic policies.
Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host who received Trump’s endorsement earlier this year, is considered a longshot, but remains within striking distance. Hilton has centered his campaign on housing affordability, economic development and support for California’s entertainment industry.
Congressional Redistricting Takes Center Stage
California voters are also weighing in on several newly redrawn congressional districts that could play a major role in determining House control.
The new boundaries were created after voters approved a measure allowing lawmakers to temporarily bypass the state’s independent redistricting commission following Republican-led redistricting efforts in Texas.
The changes produced five Democratic-leaning districts that were previously represented by Republicans, forcing several incumbents into politically challenging situations.
Among the most closely watched contests is a race involving longtime Republican Rep. Ken Calvert and Rep. Young Kim, who now find themselves competing in the same district.
Rep. Kevin Kiley also faces a dramatically altered political landscape after his district became significantly more Democratic. He opted to run in a new district and announced he would seek reelection as an independent while continuing to caucus with Republicans.
Because California’s primary system often produces crowded fields, several districts are expected to offer early clues about which candidates and messages resonate most with voters heading into November.
Iowa Republicans Battle for Open Governor’s Seat
In Iowa, Republicans are competing in the state’s first open gubernatorial race in more than a decade after Gov. Kim Reynolds decided not to seek reelection.
Rep. Randy Feenstra enters Election Day as the only candidate endorsed by Trump, though recent polling suggests businessman Zach Lahn has gained momentum in the closing weeks of the campaign.
Iowa’s primary rules require candidates to receive at least 35% of the vote to secure the nomination outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the race would move to a Republican state convention where delegates would choose the nominee.
The eventual Republican nominee will face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand, who has built a strong fundraising operation and remains one of the most recognizable Democratic figures in the state.
Political analysts continue to view the race as competitive despite Iowa’s recent Republican trend.
Democrats Eye Key Iowa Senate Contest
Iowa Democrats are also selecting a Senate nominee in a race they view as a potential pickup opportunity.
State Rep. Josh Turek and state Sen. Zach Wahls are competing for the nomination and hoping to challenge Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who is expected to secure the GOP nomination.
Turek has emphasized his appeal to independent and swing voters, while Wahls has focused on energizing the Democratic base.
Democrats face a difficult path to reclaiming the Senate majority and would likely need victories in Republican-held states such as Iowa to achieve that goal.
The party is also targeting several congressional races in the state, leading some strategists to argue that Iowa could become an important battleground in the broader fight for congressional control.
Other States to Watch
Beyond California and Iowa, elections are also taking place in New Jersey, Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota.
In New Jersey, attention is focused on the race for the 7th Congressional District, where Democrats are seeking to unseat Republican Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., who has missed more than 100 House votes since March while dealing with undisclosed medical issues.
Montana could also draw national attention following the retirement announcements of Republican Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke. The open-seat contests have created opportunities for both parties and sparked interest in independent candidate Seth Bodnar, who has positioned himself as an alternative to the two-party system.
Democrats are also targeting Montana’s 1st Congressional District, where several candidates are competing for the chance to run in what could become one of the nation’s most competitive House races this fall.
With control of both Congress and key governorships on the line in November, Tuesday’s elections are expected to provide an early indication of voter sentiment heading into the final stretch of the 2026 campaign season.
