What to watch in the US’s Delaware primary elections

On September 19, Delaware held its U.S. Senate primary as part of the last round of primaries before the midterm elections. Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who has held office since 2010, is expected to win easily against three nominal challengers; he leads fundraising with over $6.8 million compared to his closest competitor's $150,000. Republican voters will choose between two candidates for the Senate race in November, although Delaware is traditionally a solidly blue state and it’s unlikely Coons faces any serious challenge.

Also on the ballot was Democratic Representative Sarah McBride, who became the first openly transgender member of Congress when she won her seat in 2020. McBride faced no opposition in her primary for re-election as Delaware's sole representative. Additionally, voters chose nominees for various state legislative and treasurer positions, though many candidates ran unopposed.

The Delaware primaries mark the end of a contentious primary season nationally where progressive Democrats often triumphed over establishment rivals. Despite this trend, Coons and State Attorney General Kathy Jennings, also facing a primary, are expected to secure their party's nominations ahead of the November general election, maintaining Democratic control over statewide offices in traditionally blue Delaware.