Overview
- The June 2 primaries finalized nominees for key open contests with Democrat Sam Forstag winning the 1st District Democratic nomination and Republican Aaron Flint winning the GOP nod.
- Forstag’s narrow comeback prompted his Democratic rival Ryan Busse to concede on Wednesday and sets up a three-way November race that includes Libertarian Nick Sheedy.
- In the open U.S. Senate contest, Republican Kurt Alme won the GOP primary while Democrat Alani Bankhead advanced and independent Seth Bodnar remains a well-funded wild card.
- National actors, including the DCCC, labor unions and high-profile endorsers, have already stepped up spending and messaging to frame the general election choices.
- The seat has not elected a Democrat to the U.S. House in about 30 years and the Cook Political Report’s likely-Republican rating makes this open-seat contest a focus for both parties as they plan strategy for November.