Fort Myers Naples, FL, August 18, 2026 —

Voters in Florida, Wyoming, California, and Alaska are heading to the polls on Tuesday for primary elections that could shape the political landscape in each state. The elections are marked by a variety of significant developments, including the effects of redistricting, the emergence of historic Black candidates for governor, and an unusual U.S. Senate race in Alaska.

In Alaska, the race for the U.S. Senate has garnered particular attention due to a unique circumstance: both major candidates on the ballot share the same name, Dan Sullivan. This unusual situation presents a distinct challenge for voters and campaigns alike as they navigate the election.

The impact of redistricting is also a key theme in several of these states. Following the decennial census, new congressional and state legislative maps have been drawn, potentially altering the political dynamics and creating new competitive districts.

Furthermore, the primaries feature notable candidacies, including historic runs by Black candidates for the office of governor in some of these states. These campaigns represent significant milestones in the ongoing efforts towards greater diversity in political representation.

The outcomes of these primary elections will determine the final slate of candidates who will advance to the general election in November, setting the stage for crucial contests across the nation.



Story summarized from the original created by AP on apnews.com, see more information here.

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