4 states hold primaries on Tuesday and Ohio is sending 1 new congressman to Washington

last updated 7 August 2018

On Tuesday, voters in Ohio's 12th congressional district will send either Republican Troy Balderson or Democrat Danny O'Connor to Congress in a special election, while Kansas, Michigan, Washington, and Missouri hold primaries. Ohio's 12th district has been in Republican hands for decades, most recently Rep. Pat Tiberi (R), but polls show a tight race. Tuesday's winner will have to run again for a full term in November.

In Missouri, Republicans are expected to choose Attorney General Josh Hawley to challenge vulnerable Sen. Claire McCaskill (D) and voters will determine if Missouri becomes an anti-union "right to work" state. President Trump endorsed Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobach Monday in his GOP primary challenge against acting Gov. Jeff Colyer (R), and three Democrats are running to challenge the victor of that primary. Democrats are selecting nominees they hope will flip two House seats in Kansas, at least two in Michigan, and one in Washington. Democratic Reps. William Lacy Clay (Mo.) and Adam Smith (Wash.) face primary challenges from their left.

Michigan will also choose its nominees to replace term-limited Gov. Rick Snyder (R) — four Democrats and three Republicans are running — and Republicans will select their nominee to go up against Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D); Trump has endorsed businessman John James over businessman Sandy Pensler. Democrats will choose the likely replacement for Rep. John Conyers Jr. (D) in the state's solidly blue 13th congressional district; Conyers resigned last year amid sexual harassment allegations.

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.