Tuesday’s primary contests in Florida, Alaska and Wyoming highlighted the continuing influence—and limits—of former President Donald Trump’s endorsements across the nation. In Florida, Republican voters selected Rep. Byron Donalds, a close ally of Trump, to replace term‑limited Gov. Ron DeSantis. The race was not a landslide; Donalds fell just short of the 50 percent threshold despite a year‑long campaign and a $100 million fundraising haul.
Florida governor’s race
Donald’s campaign focused on property‑tax reform, data‑center regulation and a strong alignment with the Trump administration. He praised former Gov. Rick Scott and Gov. DeSantis for building what he called a “strong foundation” in the Sunshine State. While the victory secures the Republican ticket, a GOP fundraiser noted surprise at Donalds’ sub‑majority performance, suggesting possible voter concerns about Trump’s approval rating.
DeSantis did not endorse any candidate, and his comments during the primary raised questions about Donalds’ suitability. The outcome underscores a broader trend: Trump’s endorsement no longer guarantees victory, as seen in recent governor races in Iowa, Minnesota, Georgia and South Carolina.
Democratic Senate primary in Florida
On the Democratic side, state Rep. Angie Nixon, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the Senate primary. Despite being vastly out‑funded—Vindman raised $16 million to Nixon’s $1 million—the race reflected growing frustration among Democratic voters over U.S. policy in Gaza and opposition to Gov. DeSantis’ redistricting plan.
Nixon’s platform includes Medicare for All, free childcare, a national rent freeze and measures to curb corporate price‑gouging. Her victory, though unexpected, signals the rising influence of progressive voices within the Florida Democratic electorate.
Alaska Senate race
In Alaska, CNN’s Decision Desk projected that Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic former Rep. Mary Peltola will advance to the general election for the state’s Senate seat. The race may feature a second Sullivan on the ballot, a scenario that could benefit Democrats seeking to flip the seat.
Wyoming Republican primary for governor
Wyoming voters chose state Sen. Eric Barlow over Trump‑endorsed Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder for the governor’s nomination, indicating that Trump’s backing does not automatically translate to voter support in every state.
Additionally, Rep. Harriet Hageman, who ousted former Rep. Liz Cheney in 2022 with Trump’s support, easily won the GOP Senate primary, positioning her for a potential Senate run.
Other notable races
Incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, under ethics investigation, lost his Florida House seat to former news anchor Ryan Elijah. Two Florida GOP representatives, Anna Paulina Luna and Mike Haridopolos, endorsed Elijah, while Gov. DeSantis declined to support Mills.
Conservative influencer James Fishback, a vocal critic of Donalds, garnered only about one‑tenth of the vote in the governor’s primary, reflecting limited appeal for fringe candidates.
These primary outcomes illustrate a shifting political landscape: while Trump‑aligned candidates continue to secure nominations in several states, they face increasing scrutiny from both party insiders and the electorate. Voters are also showing openness to progressive challengers, as demonstrated by Nixon’s upset in Florida.
Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.
