With the 2026 midterm elections just 100 days away, several important races have yet to hold their primaries, with national implications.The 2026 primaries have largely been characterized by two trends — President Donald Trump’s hold on the Republican Party being cemented through successful endorsements, and the Democratic Party’s left-wing being strengthened through victories of Democratic Socialists of America-backed candidates over establishment figures. The latter has been checked in some cases, most notably Colorado, and the looming races could show whether the trend was more of a fluke or a lasting movement.Here are four of the most impactful primaries left, with 100 days until the midterm elections.
1. Michigan Democratic Senate primary (Aug. 4): Haley Stevens vs. Abdul el Sayed
The Michigan Democratic Senate primary was confirmed as a two-person contest earlier this month when Michigan State Sen. Mallory McMorrow dropped out without endorsing anyone, clearly turning the race into a clash between the establishment-backed Rep. Haley Stevens (D-MI) and DSA-backed Abdul el Sayed.The race is widely viewed as the most impactful proxy battle between the centrist and progressive wings of the party, drawing in heavy hitters from both sides. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has backed Stevens, while Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) have backed el Sayed.The contest has largely become a battle of financial backing. Mainstream pro-Israel groups, led by AIPAC’s affiliated super PACs, have invested heavily in Stevens to defend a key pro-Israel voice in the Senate. El Sayed, however, has anchored his campaign in small-dollar grassroots donors and labor unions, pledging to refuse corporate PAC dollars as he pushes a left-wing platform critical of Israel.2. Minnesota Democratic Senate primary (Aug. 11): Angie Craig vs. Peggy Flanagan
