Delaware’s primary season concluded on Tuesday, marking the last major contest of the 2026 election cycle in the First State. Voters cast ballots for a slate of Democratic and Republican races, while the national spotlight lingered on President Trump’s continued sway over GOP nominations.
Democratic Contests
Incumbent Democratic Senator Chris Coons is seeking a third full term. He faces long‑shot primary challengers, including University of Delaware history professor Jeff Appelhans, naval architect Mary Louve, and former business executive Eric Hansen, who switched from the Republican Party to run as a Democrat.
State Attorney General Kathy Jennings also heads to the primary ballot, opposed by attorney Dwayne Bensing and domestic‑violence advocate Patty Rickman. Both Coons and Jennings are navigating a wave of left‑wing and Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) backed candidates who have unseated longtime incumbents in other states this cycle.
In the House, Rep. Sarah McBride runs unopposed for a second term, reflecting her strong support among Delaware’s Democratic electorate.
Republican Contests and Trump’s Influence
On the Republican side, former state Senator Michael Katz and U.S. Army Reserves Colonel John Shulli are competing for the party’s nomination for the U.S. Senate seat. The GOP primary also features candidates Joseph Arminio, Earl Cooper and John Whalen vying for the House nomination.
President Trump took to social media in late August to proclaim, “My endorsements are stronger than ever… There has never been anything close!” The Fox News Trump Primary Endorsement Tracker shows the president’s endorsements have produced a near‑perfect record in Senate GOP primaries and a flawless streak in House contests this cycle.
While five of Trump‑backed gubernatorial hopefuls fell short—Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, South Carolina Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, Rep. Randy Feenstra of Iowa, Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder, and Minnesota businessman Mike Lindell—the president’s overall grip on the party remains “extremely firm,” according to veteran GOP strategist Ryan Williams.
Williams noted, “The Republican Party is President Trump’s party, and an endorsement from him provides a tremendous boost in a primary. Even when a candidate loses, the president’s influence is still evident.”
Broader National Trends
The primary season has seen a surge of progressive victories in Democratic primaries across the country, with DSA‑backed candidates toppling entrenched incumbents in Colorado, New York and elsewhere. Those winners often run on platforms calling for the abolition of ICE, cutting military aid to Israel, and establishing a single‑payer health system.
Despite those left‑wing gains, the Trump administration continues to shape the Republican agenda, emphasizing America‑First policies, strong borders, and traditional conservative values. The president’s endorsement power remains a key factor for GOP candidates seeking office in 2026.
What’s Next for Delaware?
With the primary season now closed, Delaware’s Democratic and Republican nominees will turn their attention to the November general election. Democrats aim to maintain the state’s longstanding control of statewide offices, while Republicans hope to leverage Trump’s endorsement momentum to make inroads.
Voters can expect a busy fall campaign season, with town halls, debates and grassroots outreach as candidates seek to persuade Delaware’s electorate.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
