A Tale of Two Sullivans: What To Watch In Today's Alaska, Florida And California Races

Three states — including Wyoming — hold primaries today, while California voters participate in a special election to fill the House seat left vacant by Rep. Eric Swalwell. Several high-profile contests and unusual twists make this primary day worth watching.

Alaska: Two Dan Sullivans And A Complicated Senate Race

In Alaska's nonpartisan primary, voters face an unusual situation often summarized as the "tale of two Sullivans." Incumbent Sen. Dan Sullivan (R) is seeking a third term and faces former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola among other challengers. Adding complexity, a second candidate who also goes by Dan Sullivan — a retired schoolteacher — has been placed on the ballot by court order.

Republicans allege the namesake candidacy was engineered to siphon votes from the incumbent; Democrats deny the claim. Under Alaska’s system, the top four vote-getters from the primary advance to the November general election, where ranked-choice voting will determine the winner.

Florida: Byron Donalds Emerges As The Frontrunner

In Florida, Rep. Byron Donalds (R) is the heavy favorite for the Republican nomination to succeed the term-limited governor. Polling shows Donalds approaching 50% support, and he has secured a key endorsement from former President Donald Trump. The state has shifted firmly Republican in recent years: GOP officials completed mid-decade redistricting in May, and Republicans now hold every statewide elected office. No Democrat has been elected governor of Florida since 1994.

California: Special Election In The 14th District

California's 14th Congressional District is holding a special election to replace Rep. Eric Swalwell, who resigned earlier this year amid assault allegations that effectively ended his gubernatorial bid. Voters will choose a successor to serve the remainder of the term.

Also In The News

• Dr. Anthony Fauci declined a request to appear before a second Senate panel after a recent GOP contempt vote.
• Former President Trump blamed vandals for damage to the grass where he held a large July 4 celebration.
• The Trump administration briefly paused a contested border project in Texas' Big Bend National Park.
• New polling shows Trump’s approval at 33%, the lowest of his presidency so far.
• Democrats selected South Carolina as their first primary state for the 2028 cycle.
• Analysts say Trump’s 2024 grocery-store photo op has become a political liability for some Republicans in the midterms.

Primary night outcomes will shape fall campaigns: Alaska’s ranked-choice lineup, Florida’s gubernatorial contest and the California special election each carry implications beyond state lines.