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Primary voters in Georgia, Alabama and Oklahoma head to the polls Tuesday in a series of high-stakes contests that will help define the political landscape heading into the 2026 midterm elections.
The elections will determine nominees in several closely watched Senate, governor and congressional races while offering an early glimpse into the issues and candidates likely to dominate campaigns this fall.
Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff, Alabama’s battle to replace a retiring senator and multiple statewide races in Oklahoma are expected to draw national attention as both parties look to strengthen their positions ahead of November.
Georgia Senate Runoff Takes Center Stage
The most closely watched contest Tuesday is Georgia’s Republican Senate runoff between Rep. Mike Collins and former college football coach Derek Dooley.
The winner will advance to face Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff in November in what is expected to be one of the nation’s most competitive Senate races.
Collins finished first in the May primary, earning about 40% of the vote. He has campaigned as a strong conservative and highlighted his role in authoring the Laken Riley Act, a signature immigration enforcement measure signed into law during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Dooley has emphasized his outsider status and ties to Georgia, arguing he is best positioned to defeat Ossoff in the general election.
The runoff has also highlighted divisions among prominent Georgia Republicans. Former President Donald Trump endorsed Collins, while Gov. Brian Kemp threw his support behind Dooley.
Governor’s Race Shapes Georgia’s Future
Georgia Republicans are also selecting a nominee for governor to replace term-limited Gov. Brian Kemp.
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones faces businessman Rick Jackson in a runoff that has become one of the state’s most expensive political contests.
Jones enters the race with support from both Trump and Kemp, while Jackson has spent more than $100 million of his own money promoting his campaign and positioning himself as a political outsider.
The winner will face former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, the Democratic nominee, in November.
Alabama Republicans Choose Tuberville Successor
Alabama voters are deciding a Republican runoff to replace Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who is leaving the Senate to run for governor.
Rep. Barry Moore and former Navy SEAL Jared Hudson advanced from a crowded primary field and have spent weeks competing for conservative voters in the deeply Republican state.
Moore led the initial contest and enters the runoff with significant outside support. Hudson has campaigned on his military background and pledged to support conservative priorities in Washington.
The Republican nominee is expected to be heavily favored in the general election.
Oklahoma Features Multiple Statewide Battles
Several major statewide races are on the ballot in Oklahoma, where Republicans are choosing candidates for governor, lieutenant governor and U.S. Senate.
The gubernatorial primary includes former state Sen. Mike Mazzei, Attorney General Gentner Drummond, former House Speaker Charles McCall and businessman Chip Keating.
Republican voters are also selecting nominees in the race for lieutenant governor and a Senate contest to fill the vacancy left by former Sen. Markwayne Mullin after his appointment as Homeland Security secretary.
Because Oklahoma requires a majority vote to avoid a runoff, several races could advance to a second round later this summer.
Open House Seats Also Up for Grabs
Voters in Oklahoma’s 1st Congressional District and Georgia’s 11th Congressional District are choosing nominees to succeed departing Republican members of Congress.
Both districts strongly favor Republicans, making Tuesday’s contests likely to determine the eventual winners.
Meanwhile, California voters are participating in a special election to replace former Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell, creating another closely watched race that could influence the balance of power in the House.
While the elections are largely focused on state and local issues, the outcomes will provide important clues about voter enthusiasm, candidate quality and party messaging ahead of the 2026 midterms.
The Georgia Senate runoff is particularly significant because it could determine which Republican emerges to challenge Ossoff in one of the Democrats’ most vulnerable Senate seats.
