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Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate head to June runoffs

May 20, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Georgia’s Republican races for governor and US Senate will go to runoffs in June, with Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones and healthcare billionaire Rick Jackson competing for governor, and Mike Collins and Derek Dooley competing for the Senate nomination. Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic primary for governor outright, while two Georgia Supreme Court justices were re-elected.

Key Facts

  • The Republican primary for Georgia governor requires a June runoff between Burt Jones and Rick Jackson.
  • Brad Raffensperger, Georgia’s Secretary of State, finished third and will not advance.
  • Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic primary for governor without needing a runoff.
  • Mike Collins and Derek Dooley will have a runoff to determine the Republican nominee for US Senate.
  • Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff faces no primary challenger and has over $30 million for the general election.
  • Georgia Supreme Court justices won re-election against Democratic-backed challengers in nonpartisan judicial elections.
  • The Supreme Court is considering a six-week “heartbeat” abortion ban, adding importance to the judicial races.
  • Georgia has become a key swing state, with Democrats holding both US Senate seats and winning the state in 2020.
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Kotek, Drazan set for rematch in Oregon governor’s race

Kotek, Drazan set for rematch in Oregon governor’s race

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek will run again against Republican Christine Drazan in the upcoming governor’s race. Kotek first beat Drazan in 2022 by a small margin of less than four percentage points.

Key Facts

  • Tina Kotek is the current Governor of Oregon.
  • Christine Drazan is a Republican state senator in Oregon.
  • Kotek and Drazan competed in the governor’s race in 2022.
  • Kotek won the 2022 election by less than 4 percentage points.
  • They are set to run against each other again in the next election.
  • The race will decide who leads Oregon as governor.
  • The information comes from Decision Desk HQ, an election results source.
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The Hill
2 GOP-backed justices win Georgia Supreme Court reelection

2 GOP-backed justices win Georgia Supreme Court reelection

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Two Republican-appointed justices, Charlie Bethel and Sarah Warren, are expected to win reelection to the Georgia Supreme Court. They defeated challengers supported by Democrats, Miracle Rankin and Jen Jordan.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Bethel and Sarah Warren are justices on the Georgia Supreme Court.
  • Both were appointed by Republican officials.
  • They ran for reelection against Democratic-backed candidates.
  • Bethel defeated Miracle Rankin.
  • Warren defeated Jen Jordan.
  • These results come after Democrats won two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission last year.
  • The elections reflect ongoing political contests within Georgia’s state government.
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The Hill
Trump-foe Raffensperger falls short in GOP Georgia governor’s primary

Trump-foe Raffensperger falls short in GOP Georgia governor’s primary

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, who challenged President Trump's efforts to question the 2020 election results, lost in the Republican primary for governor. He finished last among three GOP candidates ahead of the midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Brad Raffensperger is the current Georgia Secretary of State.
  • He opposed President Trump's attempt to overturn the 2020 presidential election results in Georgia.
  • Raffensperger ran in the Republican primary for Georgia governor.
  • There were three candidates competing in the Republican primary.
  • Raffensperger finished in last place among the three candidates.
  • The primary election took place ahead of the 2024 midterm elections.
  • Raffensperger’s loss is part of a pattern of Republicans opposing Trump losing primaries.
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The Hill
Republican Thomas Massie who stood up to Trump defeated in Kentucky primary

Republican Thomas Massie who stood up to Trump defeated in Kentucky primary

May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Kentucky voters defeated Congressman Thomas Massie, a Republican known for opposing some of President Trump’s policies. Massie lost to Ed Gallrein, who was supported by President Trump and pro-Trump groups, showing Trump’s strong influence in the Republican Party.

Key Facts

  • Thomas Massie, a seven-term Republican congressman from Kentucky, lost his primary race.
  • Ed Gallrein, supported by President Trump and pro-Trump political groups, won with about 54.4% of the vote.
  • The race was one of the most expensive House primaries in US history, with over $32 million spent on advertising.
  • Massie often challenged President Trump’s positions, opposing military actions and some parts of Trump’s agenda.
  • President Trump publicly criticized Massie, calling him names and saying he votes against Republicans often.
  • The primary results reflect President Trump’s strong control over Republican voters in Kentucky.
  • Other Republicans who opposed Trump, like Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, also recently lost primaries.
  • Supporters of Massie saw him as independent but still aligned with many conservative values.
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Al Jazeera
Bottoms clinches Democratic nomination in Georgia governor’s race

Bottoms clinches Democratic nomination in Georgia governor’s race

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former mayor of Atlanta, is expected to win the Democratic nomination for Georgia governor. She defeated several other candidates and will avoid a runoff election in June.

Key Facts

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms served as Atlanta’s mayor.
  • She is running for governor of Georgia as a Democrat.
  • Bottoms won the Democratic primary without needing a runoff.
  • She faced multiple opponents, including Michael Thurmond, Geoff Duncan, and Jason Esteves.
  • Geoff Duncan previously was a Republican and lieutenant governor before switching to the Democratic Party.
  • The information comes from Decision Desk HQ, an election results tracker.
  • This race is important for Georgia’s upcoming governor election.
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Keisha Lance Bottoms' Chances of Beating Republicans to Flip Georgia

Keisha Lance Bottoms' Chances of Beating Republicans to Flip Georgia

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic nomination in Georgia's 2026 governor's race and will face a Republican runoff winner, either Burt Jones or Rick Jackson. Georgia is a closely divided state, with Democrats hopeful they can win the governor’s seat for the first time in over 25 years due to favorable conditions and an open race.

Key Facts

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms, former Atlanta mayor, won the Democratic nomination with 57.7% of the vote.
  • Republicans Burt Jones and Rick Jackson will have a runoff to decide their candidate.
  • Georgia narrowly supported President Donald Trump by about 2 points in 2024 and backed President Joe Biden by less than half a point in 2020.
  • Democrats have struggled to win Georgia’s governor’s office despite recent federal election successes.
  • The current governor, Brian Kemp, is term-limited and cannot run again in 2026.
  • Voter turnout, especially among Black voters in Atlanta, will be crucial in deciding the election.
  • An April 2026 poll showed Bottoms leading both potential Republican opponents with 49% to 43%.
  • Prediction markets give Democrats a 57–62% chance of winning the governor’s race, indicating a close but slightly favorable outlook.
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Newsweek
Pennsylvania primaries spotlight key races for Democrats to retake House

Pennsylvania primaries spotlight key races for Democrats to retake House

May 20, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Pennsylvania held primary elections to decide key candidates for the November midterms, focusing on districts important for Democrats trying to win back control of the House of Representatives. Governor Josh Shapiro and several congressional candidates won their primaries, setting up competitive races against Republican incumbents in districts that are closely contested.

Key Facts

  • Sixteen of Pennsylvania’s 17 US representatives are running for re-election.
  • Democrats aim to gain four critical districts in their effort to retake the House.
  • President Trump won Pennsylvania by less than two points in 2024.
  • Governor Josh Shapiro faces no primary opposition and will run against Republican Stacy Garrity.
  • Bob Harvie won the Democratic primary in the 1st district and will challenge Republican Brian Fitzpatrick.
  • Janelle Stelson won the Democratic primary in the 10th district and will face Republican Scott Perry in a rematch.
  • Bob Brooks won a four-way Democratic primary in the 7th district and has strong endorsements including from Governor Shapiro and Senator Bernie Sanders.
  • Paige Cognetti won the Democratic primary in the 8th district, which includes Biden’s hometown, and will challenge Republican Rob Bresnahan.
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Guardian US
Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic governor primary, CBS News projects

Keisha Lance Bottoms wins Georgia Democratic governor primary, CBS News projects

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Keisha Lance Bottoms, former mayor of Atlanta, won the Democratic primary for Georgia governor by getting more than 50% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. She will compete in the November general election against either Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones or healthcare executive Rick Jackson.

Key Facts

  • Keisha Lance Bottoms served as Atlanta’s mayor and was a senior adviser in the Biden administration.
  • She focused her campaign on voting rights, healthcare access, economic fairness, and protecting Democratic gains in Georgia.
  • Bottoms was the only Black woman candidate in the race.
  • President Biden endorsed Bottoms early in May.
  • Republicans plan to criticize Bottoms for how she handled crime, disorder, and COVID-19 during her time as mayor.
  • If elected, Bottoms promises to exempt teachers from state income taxes and work on affordable housing solutions.
  • Bottoms will face either Burt Jones or Rick Jackson, who are competing in the Republican primary runoff.
  • The general election for Georgia governor will take place in November 2024.
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CBS News
Collins, Dooley make Georgia Senate GOP runoff in race to take on Ossoff

Collins, Dooley make Georgia Senate GOP runoff in race to take on Ossoff

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

In Georgia’s Senate race, Republican Mike Collins and Derek Dooley are expected to compete in a runoff election. This contest shows a split within the Republican Party, with some members supporting President Donald Trump and others backing Governor Brian Kemp.

Key Facts

  • Mike Collins and Derek Dooley are leading candidates in the Georgia GOP Senate race.
  • They are set to face each other in a runoff election.
  • Derek Dooley is a former college football coach.
  • Both Collins and Dooley have Governor Brian Kemp’s endorsement.
  • The runoff highlights a division in the Georgia GOP between factions loyal to President Trump and those supporting Kemp.
  • This Senate race will determine who runs against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.
  • The Republican primary did not produce a clear winner, requiring a runoff to select the nominee.
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The Hill
Progressives notch win with Rabb victory in Pennsylvania Democratic House primary

Progressives notch win with Rabb victory in Pennsylvania Democratic House primary

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Pennsylvania state Representative Chris Rabb is expected to win the Democratic primary for the 3rd Congressional District. He competed against state Senator Shariff Street and pediatric surgeon Ala Stanford in the race covering parts of Philadelphia.

Key Facts

  • Chris Rabb is a current Pennsylvania state Representative.
  • He ran for the Democratic nomination in Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District.
  • The district includes areas in west and north Philadelphia.
  • His opponents in the primary were state Senator Shariff Street and Ala Stanford, a pediatric surgeon.
  • The projection of Rabb’s victory comes from Decision Desk HQ.
  • This primary win is notable among progressive candidates in the area.
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The Hill
Charles Booker's Chances of Flipping Mitch McConnell's Kentucky Senate Seat

Charles Booker's Chances of Flipping Mitch McConnell's Kentucky Senate Seat

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Kentucky is holding a U.S. Senate race to replace long-time Senator Mitch McConnell, who is not running for reelection. Andy Barr won the Republican primary with former Representative Charles Booker winning the Democratic primary, but Republicans are still favored to keep the seat.

Key Facts

  • Mitch McConnell, Kentucky’s senator since 1984, announced in February 2025 he would not run again.
  • McConnell was once an ally of President Donald Trump but later their relationship soured.
  • The open Senate seat caused many candidates on both the Republican and Democratic sides to compete in primaries.
  • Andy Barr won the Republican primary with 60.4% of the vote and has Trump’s endorsement.
  • Charles Booker won the Democratic primary with 47.1% of the vote.
  • Kentucky has not elected a Democratic senator since the 1990s.
  • Polls show Republicans have about a 93–95% chance of winning the general election.
  • Trump’s endorsement helped Barr consolidate Republican support, but not all voters say it will affect their choice.
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Newsweek
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Current wave of mid-decade redistricting "never seen before in American history," expert says

Current wave of mid-decade redistricting "never seen before in American history," expert says

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A current wave of mid-decade redistricting is happening in the United States. Experts say this change is unusual and could strongly affect political power during the 2026 congressional elections.

Key Facts

  • Redistricting means redrawing the boundaries of voting districts.
  • This redistricting is happening in the middle of the decade, not after the usual census.
  • Experts say this mid-decade redistricting is unprecedented, or never seen before in U.S. history.
  • The redistricting will influence the 2026 midterm elections.
  • Changes in district maps can shift political power between parties in Washington, D.C.
  • CBS News reporters David Becker, Anthony Salvanto, Nikole Killion, and Caitlin Huey-Burns are covering the story.
  • The process affects how people are grouped to elect their representatives.
  • This development could impact the balance of power in the U.S. Congress.
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CBS News
Senators grill Blanche over "anti-weaponization" fund

Senators grill Blanche over "anti-weaponization" fund

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Senators questioned acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about a $1.8 billion fund set up by the Justice Department. This fund is meant to pay people who say they were targeted for political reasons.

Key Facts

  • The Justice Department created a fund of nearly $1.8 billion.
  • The fund is for compensating people who claim political targeting.
  • Senators questioned Todd Blanche, the acting Attorney General, about this fund.
  • The questions took place during a Senate hearing.
  • The purpose of the fund is described as "anti-weaponization."
  • The news was reported by CBS News journalists Natalie Brand and Caitlin Huey-Burns.
  • The article focuses on the government’s handling of political claims through this fund.
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CBS News
US President Trump, family granted immunity from pending tax audits

US President Trump, family granted immunity from pending tax audits

May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump, his family, and his businesses have been granted immunity from ongoing and possible future tax audits by a Justice Department order. This decision extends a recent settlement between Trump and the IRS involving a $10 billion lawsuit over leaked tax information.

Key Facts

  • President Trump, his family, and his businesses cannot be prosecuted or investigated for current or future tax claims related to past tax returns.
  • The immunity was granted through a one-page document signed by acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • The document was posted online by the Justice Department without a formal announcement.
  • This immunity expands on a settlement regarding a $10 billion lawsuit about leaked tax documents from 2018 to 2020.
  • Democratic lawmakers criticized the move, calling it corrupt and unconstitutional.
  • The Justice Department set up a $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” to compensate people claiming they were victims of politically motivated legal actions.
  • A five-member commission, mostly appointed by Todd Blanche, will decide how the fund’s money is spent.
  • Todd Blanche denied that the fund is partisan or directed by President Trump.
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Al Jazeera
Idaho 2026 live primary election results

Idaho 2026 live primary election results

May 20, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Idaho is holding primary elections with polls open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Three of the state's four congressional seats and the governor's seat are contested. Incumbents, including Senator Jim Risch and Governor Brad Little, face challengers in their Republican primaries.

Key Facts

  • Idaho's primary election includes three congressional seats and the governor's race.
  • Republican Senator Jim Risch is seeking a fourth term and has three Republican challengers.
  • President Donald Trump endorsed Senator Risch's 2026 Senate campaign.
  • Republican Representative Russ Fulcher seeks a fifth term for Idaho's 1st Congressional District, facing two Republican challengers and two Democrats.
  • Republican Representative Mike Simpson aims for a 15th term in the 2nd Congressional District, with two Republican challengers and one Democratic candidate.
  • Governor Brad Little, a Republican, is running for a third term, competing against seven Republicans and four Democrats.
  • Idaho voted strongly for President Trump by nearly 40 points in the 2024 presidential election.
  • Polls are open on primary day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time.
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ABC News
Jon Ossoff's Chances of Losing to Republicans After Georgia Primary

Jon Ossoff's Chances of Losing to Republicans After Georgia Primary

May 20, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Jon Ossoff is a slight favorite in the 2026 Georgia Senate race, but Republicans have a chance to win if they get past a divided primary that will go to a runoff. Republican candidate Mike Collins leads in the primary but trails Ossoff in polls for the general election, partly due to mixed voter feelings about President Trump and economic concerns.

Key Facts

  • Jon Ossoff is considered one of the more vulnerable senators but currently holds a small lead.
  • Republicans face a runoff primary between Mike Collins and another candidate after no one reached 50% of the vote.
  • Mike Collins has about 41.6% of the vote in the primary with a consistent polling lead among Republicans.
  • Polls show Collins losing to Ossoff in a general election match-up by around 7 percentage points.
  • President Trump won Georgia by only two points in 2024, and his approval ratings there are low, especially on the economy.
  • Economic issues like inflation and energy prices are top concerns for Georgia voters.
  • Collins has aligned himself closely with President Trump, supporting the war in Iran as a step toward U.S. energy independence.
  • A betting market gives Ossoff an 83% chance of winning the seat, while Republicans have a 17% chance.
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Newsweek
Mike Collins advances to runoff in Georgia GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects

Mike Collins advances to runoff in Georgia GOP Senate primary, CBS News projects

May 20, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Rep. Mike Collins has moved to a runoff in the Georgia Republican primary for U.S. Senate, with the second spot still undecided between Rep. Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley. The winner of the runoff will face Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the general election, with Ossoff running unopposed in his primary.

Key Facts

  • Mike Collins advanced to the GOP runoff in Georgia's Senate primary.
  • The runoff will occur on June 16, with Buddy Carter and Derek Dooley still competing for the second spot.
  • Jon Ossoff, the current Democratic senator, faces no primary opposition.
  • Georgia requires a candidate to get over 50% to avoid a runoff in primaries.
  • Collins and Carter both support President Donald Trump, but Trump has not endorsed anyone in the primary.
  • Derek Dooley, endorsed by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, presents himself as a political outsider.
  • Collins is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for alleged misuse of funds, which he denies.
  • Ossoff has raised over $32 million to defend his seat, while Republican groups have also invested heavily in ads.
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Vance: US ‘locked and loaded’ for military action if Iran talks fail

Vance: US ‘locked and loaded’ for military action if Iran talks fail

May 20, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

US Vice President JD Vance said the United States is ready to use military force if Iran does not reach a nuclear agreement. He also said there has been some progress in the talks with Iran.

Key Facts

  • Vice President JD Vance spoke about US readiness for possible military action against Iran.
  • The reason for potential military action is Iran’s nuclear program.
  • Talks between the US and Iran are ongoing.
  • Vance described some progress in these discussions.
  • The US government aims to reach a nuclear deal with Iran.
  • If talks fail, the US is prepared to act militarily.
  • These comments reflect current US policy under President Donald Trump.
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Al Jazeera
Trump says he hopes to end conflict in Iran ‘very quickly’

Trump says he hopes to end conflict in Iran ‘very quickly’

May 20, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump said he hopes to end the conflict with Iran very quickly. He made this statement during a meeting with lawmakers and their families at the White House.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about the Iran conflict at the White House.
  • The event was the annual congressional picnic.
  • Lawmakers from both political parties and their families were present.
  • Trump expressed confidence in ending the war soon.
  • He said that the other side wants to avoid a long battle.
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