Primary elections in three states will determine important general election candidates for the House and Senate – Here’s what you need to know.

Voters in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia are gearing up for some intense primary elections on Tuesday, with significant implications for the balance of power in the House and Senate. The primaries in these states have attracted attention from both Democrats and Republicans alike, as they prepare for crucial general election showdowns that could determine the majority in Congress.

In Maryland, the spotlight is on the Senate race, where Republicans are looking to flip a seat that has long been held by Democrats. Former Governor Larry Hogan is the clear frontrunner for the GOP nomination, shaking up what was once considered a safe Democratic stronghold.

Democrats are working hard to protect their slim majority in the Senate, with Hogan’s unexpected entry into the race adding a new challenge. The Democratic primary to succeed retiring Senator Ben Cardin is heating up, pitting two leading candidates against each other in a battle of endorsements and campaign funds.

On one side, Rep. David Trone has poured over $50 million of his own money into his campaign, touting his ability to beat Hogan in the general election. On the other side, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks has secured support from top Democratic leaders, emphasizing her experience and dedication to serving the people.

While Trone has outspent Alsobrooks significantly, her endorsements and grassroots support have kept her in the race. As the primary approaches, Maryland Democrats are faced with a critical decision on who will best represent their interests in the Senate.

Meanwhile, in West Virginia, the GOP is eyeing a potential Senate seat pickup as Senator Joe Manchin announces he will not seek re-election. Governor Jim Justice leads the pack of Republican candidates in the primary, setting the stage for a competitive general election against the Democratic nominee.

Justice’s background as a billionaire businessman and his switch from Democrat to Republican have added intrigue to the race. With a crowded field of candidates vying for the nomination, the West Virginia Senate race promises to be a closely watched contest in the coming months.

Over in Nebraska, the battle for the 2nd Congressional District is heating up, with Republican incumbent Don Bacon facing a challenge from his party’s right flank. With President Biden carrying the district in 2020, Democrats see an opportunity to flip the seat in November if they can capitalize on the primary results.

As both Nebraska’s Republican senators also face primary opposition, the state is poised for a rare electoral moment with all eyes on the outcome. With the potential for shifts in the political landscape, Nebraska’s primaries could set the tone for a transformative election year.

As Democrats aim to regain control of the House and Republicans target a Senate majority, the stakes are high in these primary elections. President Biden and former President Trump will also be on the ballot in their respective parties’ presidential primaries, setting the stage for potential surprises and challenges ahead.

With key races unfolding in Maryland, Nebraska, and West Virginia, voters across the country are watching closely as the primary season kicks into high gear. The outcomes of these contests will not only shape the political landscape in these states but could also have far-reaching implications for the nation as a whole.