California politician on the San Francisco political stage
Texas attorney general Ken Paxton has won the Republican primary runoff, supported by President Trump, defeating incumbent John Cornyn. Paxton now advances to the general election to face Democrat James Talarico. The result signals continued Trump influence in the party ahead of November, while Cornyn has pledged to back the GOP ticket.
In California’s open primary, State Sen. Scott Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan have advanced to the November general election; Saikat Chakrabarti trails and is not on the ballot. Wiener has embraced housing, immigration, AI safeguards, and healthcare while Chan benefits from Pelosi’s endorsement. Chakrabarti has campaigned with Hasan Piker and criticized Wiener over Israel policy.
Progressives win key primaries in New Jersey and California, led by Adam Hamawy in NJ-12 and Analilia Mejia in NJ-7, with other candidates advancing in California. The results reflect growing support for left-leaning, anti-war platforms and Palestine advocacy, while facing scrutiny over past ties to controversial figures. The broader national trend shows progressives expanding their influence in blue districts ahead of November.
Outside groups have poured billions into 2026 races, with AI, crypto and political power players spending to back or thwart candidates. In NY-12, Maryland’s MD-05, and beyond, pro- and anti-AI committees are influencing races as November approaches, while individual fortunes test the limits of soft money in a polarized landscape.