Overview
- The Associated Press called the Republican primary for Michael Bouchard on Tuesday night after early returns showed him with roughly 73% of the vote.
- President Trump publicly endorsed Bouchard earlier this year and the candidate later picked up backing from House leaders including Speaker Mike Johnson, Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, and GOP Conference Chair Lisa McClain.
- Bouchard, an Army veteran who served with the 82nd and 101st Airborne and received a Bronze Star for service against ISIS, has emphasized border security, boosting manufacturing, and greater parental involvement in schools as campaign priorities.
- The Democratic nominee remains undecided with Christina Hines, Tim Greimel, and Eric Chung still vying for the ticket, and the Cook Political Report currently rates the open seat as lean Republican even as the DCCC lists it as a target.
- The race matters to control of the House because John James vacated the seat to run for governor, the district has shown close recent margins, and both parties expect a costly, closely watched general election campaign that will shape local policy on jobs and security.