The 2024 presidential primaries are set to reach a pivotal moment this Tuesday, with President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump anticipated to secure their positions for a rematch of the 2020 election, eight months ahead of the November general election.
Super Tuesday will see contests in 16 states, spanning every time zone in the continental US, from Alaska and California to Colorado, Minnesota, and North Carolina. By the end of the day, both Biden and Trump are expected to have amassed a significant number of delegates, setting the stage for crucial congressional and gubernatorial races.
The primaries will also provide a deeper understanding of the leading candidates’ strengths and weaknesses, as high-stakes campaigns test their appeal with key segments of the electorate across a nation that remains deeply divided.
Key Races and Candidates to Watch
Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, Trump’s last remaining hurdle to his third GOP presidential nomination, faces a critical test on Tuesday. This could be her last chance to disrupt the race and slow Trump’s momentum.
Down the ticket, the race to fill the California Senate seat held for decades by the late Dianne Feinstein will be narrowed down to a final pair of hopefuls. A newly drawn district in Alabama, more friendly to Democrats (by court order), is expected to choose its new representative. And in North Carolina, the most fiercely contested governor’s race of the year will formally lock in standard-bearers for both parties.
Key Points to Watch
Other key races include the North Carolina gubernatorial primary, the Texas Democrats’ pick for a Cruz challenger, and the California Senate race. New congressional district maps in Alabama are set to shake up the state’s congressional delegation, and criminal justice ballot measures in San Francisco and Los Angeles will be closely watched.
As the 2024 presidential primaries unfold, the political landscape of the United States is set to undergo significant shifts, with the outcomes of these races potentially shaping the future of the nation.
Contributions to this report were made by Simone Pathe and Fredreka Schouten.