As the US midterm elections approach, primaries in Florida and Alaska are highlighting Republican-led redistricting efforts that have scrambled congressional maps, creating intriguing situations. Today's voting is seen as a test of strength ahead of the fall elections for control of Congress and as a referendum on Donald Trump's second term, reports infohub.kz.
In Alaska's Senate race, incumbent Republican Senator Dan Sullivan, a Trump ally seeking a third term, faces another candidate also named Dan Sullivan. Republicans argue that this second Sullivan, listed on the ballot as "Daniel J. Sullivan Jr.," is a sham candidate put up by Democrats to cause confusion. However, retired teacher Dan J. Sullivan Jr. has denied the accusation. Also in the race is former Representative Mary Peltola, who was the first Alaska Native to serve in Congress and would become the first Alaska Native senator if she wins in November.
In Florida, a GOP-led redrawing of the congressional map has created awkward matchups. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, in Congress since 2004, is running for a new seat in the 20th Congressional District, centered in Broward County, after her previous district was redrawn to favor Republicans. Wasserman Schultz, who is white, has faced criticism for running in the historically Black district, as activists worry about losing Black representation in Congress following a Supreme Court decision that weakened a landmark civil rights law. Her opponents include rapper Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, known for the hit "Me So Horny," and former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces charges of stealing $5 million in disaster relief funds. Cherfilus-McCormick, who denies wrongdoing, resigned from Congress in April ahead of a possible expulsion.
In other news: Donald Trump voted by mail in Florida's Republican primary, with the White House confirming this is at least the third time he has voted by mail. Shasta County in northern California plans to hire Tina Peters, a prominent election denier recently released from prison, to work on elections; Governor Gavin Newsom's office says it is investigating. CNN has defended its reporter Kristen Holmes after the White House launched a personal attack on her, including mentioning her children. Trump also threatened to bomb Oman if it "gets in the way" of his efforts, and said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has responded to his overtures.