On March 5, voters in 15 states, including California and Texas, will head to the polls for Super Tuesday, a crucial day that could set the stage for a White House rematch between President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump in November. The results of these contests will also shape the races for the House and Senate, determining the makeup of the legislative branch next year.
One of the key storylines to watch is whether Nikki Haley will continue her campaign or drop out. Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and Trump’s first ambassador to the United Nations, has been endorsed by moderate Republican senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski. With the biggest troves of delegates in California and Texas likely to go to Trump, Haley’s donors are eager to see if she has a chance to compete.
Another point of interest is how Trump will handle victory. After previous wins, he has been known to lash out at opponents, potentially alienating voters. The nation will be watching to see if he takes a different approach this time.
Pro-Palestinian protests could also impact the outcome of the primaries, particularly for Biden. The president faces challenges in uniting the Democratic coalition, especially with young progressives and Arab Americans who may be protesting his stance on the conflict in Gaza.
In California, down-ballot primaries will be closely watched, especially the Senate race to fill Dianne Feinstein’s seat. The state’s unique primary system could lead to unexpected outcomes, with celebrity Republican Steve Garvey entering the race as a wildcard.
Redistricting will also play a role in House primaries in North Carolina and Alabama, with new district lines potentially shifting the balance of power between Republicans and Democrats.
In Texas, the impeached attorney general Ken Paxton is seeking revenge on Republicans who accused him, potentially reshaping the state’s political landscape.
Lastly, voters in North Carolina will set up a fierce governor’s race, with Republican Mark Robinson and Democrat Josh Stein likely to face off in a closely watched contest.
Overall, Super Tuesday promises to be a pivotal day in the 2024 election cycle, with significant implications for the future of American politics.
