After Republicans comfortably won two U.S. House special elections in Florida — and after President Donald Trump’s retraction of Rep. Elise Stefanik’s appointment canceled a potentially competitive special election in New York — Democrats have no opportunities currently on the table to take control of a House seat in 2025.
But Democratic primary contests in two upcoming special elections could signal the direction of a party that’s locked out of power in Washington. Candidates for these races will have the opportunity to test which messages can energize Democratic voters who’ve become increasingly disillusioned with their party.
Later this year, voters in Arizona’s 7th and Texas’ 18th districts will choose the successors to the late Reps. Raúl Grijalva and Sylvester Turner, respectively. Both vacant districts are safely blue, so the Democratic primary will determine who wins these seats.
The Arizona race is shaping up to be a clash among the late congressman’s daughter, Adelita Grijalva, former state Rep. Daniel Hernandez, and social media influencer Deja Foxx. The younger Grijalva has quickly consolidated support from Democratic leaders across the state, including both
What is The Cook Political Report?
The Cook Political Report is an independent, non-partisan newsletter that analyzes elections and campaigns for the US House of Representatives, US Senate, Governors and President as well as American political trends.
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