Voters in five states hold primaries on Tuesday in contests that could help determine which party controls Congress next year, according to NPR.
Key facts
- Five states — Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington — hold primaries on Tuesday.
- The races could ultimately decide control of Congress next year, according to NPR.
- Redistricting efforts will also influence the outcomes.
- Coverage published by NPR on August 4, 2026.
Voters in five states are set to head to the polls on Tuesday, according to NPR, in a round of primaries that could carry significant consequences for the balance of power in Washington.
The states holding primaries are Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington. NPR reports that the races taking place across these states could ultimately decide control of Congress next year.
NPR notes that redistricting efforts will also influence the races. The reshaping of district boundaries can alter which candidates are competitive and which party holds an advantage in individual contests, factors that feed into the broader fight over congressional control.
The five states span different regions of the country, giving Tuesday’s voting a national dimension as party contests play out in a range of political environments.
With control of Congress potentially hanging in the balance, the outcomes of these primaries could set the stage for the general election contests to come. NPR’s reporting frames Tuesday’s votes as an early and consequential marker in the electoral calendar.
Why it matters
Primaries determine which candidates advance to the general election, and these five contests could shape which party controls Congress next year. Combined with the influence of redistricting, the outcomes may have lasting effects on national policymaking.
Frequently asked questions
Which states are holding primaries on Tuesday?
According to NPR, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, Virginia and Washington are holding primaries on Tuesday.
Why do these primaries matter?
NPR reports the races could ultimately decide control of Congress next year, and redistricting efforts will also influence the outcomes.
How does redistricting factor into the races?
NPR notes that redistricting efforts will influence the races, though the source does not provide further detail on how specific districts are affected.