Trump’s Influence Put to the Test: Alaska and Wyoming Primaries Deliver Key Winners

Voters in Alaska and Wyoming went to the polls on Tuesday to define candidates for the Senate, the House of Representatives, and state governments, in primaries that once again measure the influence of President Donald Trump within the Republican Party.

• Why it matters: Alaska could become a competitive battle for the Senate in November, while Wyoming will allow measurement of how far Trump’s support can tip disputes between Republicans.

Alaska and Wyoming Primaries Measure Trump

Voters in Alaska and Wyoming head to the polls in some of the final US primaries before November’s midterms. From a key Senate race to Republican infighting, the results could have implications beyond the two states.

Here’s what to watch: https://t.co/mkT4Xj8rIZ pic.twitter.com/gSY9hanwD4

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) August 18, 2026

In Alaska, about 16 candidates are vying for the seat of Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, who is seeking a third term and has Trump’s support.

But Democrats see an opportunity with Mary Peltola, who held Alaska’s only seat in the House of Representatives between 2022 and 2025 and is now trying to reach the Senate.

Peltola has gained ground with a moderate message, in addition to advancing in the polls and fundraising.

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The dispute: A potential competition between Sullivan and Peltola would make Alaska a relevant state for the battle for control of the Senate in November.

The support: Trump supports Sullivan and has accused fellow candidate Don J. Sullivan of being a Democratic «ruse» intended to confuse voters.

Voters will also decide who will seek to replace Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy, who cannot run again due to term limits.

Wyoming Focuses the Battle Within the Republican Party

The votes in Florida, Alaska, and Wyoming will outline the balance of power in Congress and measure Donald Trump’s influence on the US electorate. https://t.co/liutTQbUTW

— Excélsior (@Excelsior) August 18, 2026

Wyoming presents a different scenario. In one of the most conservative states in the country, the main disputes are within the Republican Party itself, according to Efe.

For the first time in more than three decades, voters must choose candidates for governor, Senate, and House of Representatives in the same cycle with open seats.

Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, a Trump ally, decided to leave her House seat to compete for the seat of Senator Cynthia Lummis, who is not seeking another term.

What’s changing: Wyoming must also elect a successor to Republican Governor Mark Gordon, who is not seeking re-election.

Another test: In the gubernatorial race, Eric Barlow started as the favorite against Megan Degenfelder, identified as a Trump ally.

Unlike Alaska, available information suggests that Democrats do not have a competitive opportunity in Wyoming’s main contests. Attention is focused mainly on which Republican candidates will advance.

California Also Votes to Replace Swalwell

Outside of those two states, California is holding a special election to fill the seat left by Eric Swalwell in a district in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Swalwell resigned in April after allegations of sexual assault were presented by several women. He also abandoned his candidacy for governor of California.

Among the main candidates to complete his term until January are Democrats Aisha Wahab, state senator, and Melissa Hernandez, director of the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system and former mayor of Dublin.

What’s next: The results of Alaska and Wyoming will define who advances to November and show whether Trump’s support becomes a decisive factor again among Republican voters.