Ballotpedia's Top 10 Democratic primaries, June 28, 2018

These 10 Democratic Party primaries are the most compelling intra-party contests of this cycle, either because they reflect an ideological battle between two factions within the party or a close primary contest in a battleground election. Click here for more on how we build this list.

Political newcomer Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's victory over incumbent representative and House Democratic Caucus chairman Joseph Crowley on June 26th highlights the ongoing ideological contests occurring in House races within the Democratic Party. Her win in New York's 14th Congressional District is not only added to our Top 10 list, it assumes the top spot. Four of the six U.S. House races on this Top 10 Democratic primaries list feature spirited battles involving candidates backed by progressive groups. As of June 28, 2018, this list contains primaries for four governor’s races and six U.S. House seats. We'll be updating this throughout the primary election season as the year progresses.

Click here to read our Top 10 Republican Party primaries list.

Know of a race that belongs on our list? Email us at editor@ballotpedia.org.
Last updated: June 28, 2018

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Top 10 Democratic Primaries Ranked list

(Last week's ranking in parentheses)

1. (-) New York's 14th Congressional District (June 26) - newly added
2. (1) Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District (May 15)
3. (2) Illinois' 3rd Congressional District (March 20)
4. (3) Florida governor (August 28)
5. (4) Virginia's 10th Congressional District (June 12)
6. (5) Kentucky's 6th Congressional District (May 22)
7. (6) Colorado governor (June 26)
8. (7) Minnesota governor (August 14)
9. (9) New York governor (September 13)
10. (-) Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District (September 4) - newly added

Races removed from the Top 10 list this week

Pennsylvania's 7th Congressional District (May 15)

Georgia governor (May 22)

Top 10 Democratic Primaries race summaries

• New York's 14th Congressional District (June 26)

See also: New York's 14th Congressional District election (June 26, 2018 Democratic primary)

Long-time incumbent Rep. Joseph Crowley, who had not seen a primary challenge since 2004, was defeated by self-described democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in the Democratic primary for New York's 14th District. Crowley became the first Democratic incumbent member of Congress to lose in the primary in 2018. He had been a congressman since 1999 and was chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, the 4th highest-ranking member in the Democratic Party leadership. Crowley was also identified by Roll Call as one of six Democrats most likely to succeed Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) should she step down as House Minority Leader. At the end of March 2018, Crowley had a 22-to-1 fundraising lead over Ocasio-Cortez, who had pledged not to accept contributions from lobbyists.

Ocasio-Cortez garnered endorsements from progressive groups including Justice Democrats, Brand New Congress, and NYC Democratic Socialists of America. Crowley's list of endorsements included more than 20 labor unions, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, and more than a dozen state legislators. Both candidates expressed support for $15 minimum wage and Medicare for All policies; Ocasio-Cortez credited her campaign with pushing Crowley to the left on these issues, while Crowley's campaign argued that "he's always been a progressive advocate."

• Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District (May 15)

See also: Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District election (May 15, 2018 Democratic primary)

Moderates and progressives clashed in the Democratic primary for Nebraska’s 2nd Congressional District on May 15, where nonprofit executive and Metropolitan Community College board member Kara Eastman defeated the district’s former congressman, Brad Ashford. Ashford, who held the seat for a single term before losing his re-election bid to current incumbent Rep. Don Bacon (R), had the backing of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which added him to its “Red to Blue” list. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee backed Eastman. She also had the support of local unions and state figures such as state Sens. Tony Vargas and Justin Wayne. Eastman ran on a platform that included tuition-free college and universal healthcare.

Eastman defeated Ashford by just over 1,100 votes, 51 percent to 49 percent. While progressive groups celebrated Eastman's victory, political observers questioned whether her victory hurt Dems' chances to win the seat. Larry Sabato’s Crystal Ball managing editor Kyle Kondik tweeted after the primary that they were changing the rating on the general election race in this district from "Toss-up" to "Leans Republican" after Eastman’s victory. “Basically the NRCC got what it wanted and the DCCC didn't,” Kondik said. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is a national 527 group and subsidiary of the Republican Party that aims to build and maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives through contributions to Republican candidates and political organizations. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is a similar group which supports the Democratic Party.

• Illinois' 3rd Congressional District (March 20)

See also: Illinois' 3rd Congressional District election (March 20, 2018 Democratic primary)

Longtime incumbent Rep. and Blue Dog Coalition member Daniel Lipinski defetaed political newcomer Marie Newman by just over 2,100 votes, 51 percent to 49 percent, for the Democratic nomination in Illinois’ 3rd Congressional District for a seat held by the party since 1975. This race, called "a battle for the soul of the Democratic party” by Kate Sweeny of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, was seen as a good example of the struggle between moderate and progressive Democrats.

Newman based her campaign on her opposition to Lipinski's positions on reproductive issues and healthcare, saying that he opposed federal funding for cervical cancer screenings and voted against the Affordable Care Act because of funding for contraception included in the bill. Lipinski countered that he voted 26 times to support funding for family planning programs from 2005 to 2017. Newman received the backing of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Human Rights Campaign. Lipinski was backed by the Illinois AFL-CIO, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D), state party chairman Michael Madigan (D), the Chicago Sun Times and the Chicago Tribune.

• Florida governor (August 28)

See also: Florida gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 28 Democratic primary)

A four-way primary battle has emerged as Florida Democrats look to take back the governor's office for the first time in 20 years. With Gov. Rick Scott (R) term-limited and most election ratings outlets calling the general election a "Toss-up," the winner of the primary may very well go on to occupy the governor's mansion in 2019. Although the filing deadline isn't until June 22nd, several prominent candidates have begun fundraising and campaigning.

Former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, the daughter of former Gov. and U.S. Sen. Bob Graham, represents the moderate wing of the Democratic Party and often crossed party lines while in the U.S. House. Former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine brought in over $10 million through March 2018, partially through self-funding, and describes himself as a "radical centrist." Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum enjoys significant support among minority voters. Gillum has touted his support from grassroots activists and received a boost from billionaire Democratic donor George Soros. Businessman Christopher King has not previously held elected office, but describes himself as a "progressive entrepreneur" who enjoys support from younger voters. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy (D), who explored running for this seat with Republican David Jolly as his lieutenant governor, declined to run and instead backed Graham.

• Virginia's 10th Congressional District (June 12)

See also: Virginia's 10th Congressional District election (June 12, 2018 Democratic primary)

Six well-funded candidates competed in the Democratic primary for Virginia's 10th Congressional District—a swing seat that simultaneously backed Hillary Clinton (D) by 10 points in the 2016 presidential election and elected Republican incumbent Rep. Barbara Comstock. Daily Kos identified Comstock as the eighth-most vulnerable Republican incumbent in the 2018 midterm elections, and it's likely Democrats had to win districts like this one to gain enough seats to win control of the House. Four candidates raised $800,000 or more through the first quarter of 2018: former senior State Department official Alison Kiehl Friedman (D), state Sen. Jennifer Wexton (D), Army veteran Daniel Helmer (D), and former Obama administration official Lindsey Davis Stover.

Wexton received about 42 percent of the vote to win the primary. Friedman finished second with 23 percent, and Stover was third with 16 percent. The general election contest between Comstock and Wexton figures to be one of the most closely watched House races of this cycle.

• Kentucky's 6th Congressional District (May 22)

See also: Kentucky's 6th Congressional District election (May 22, 2018 Democratic primary)

Style, not policy, separated Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Marine Corps Lt. Col. Amy McGrath as they competed for the Democratic nod in Kentucky’s 6th District. Both were ideologically moderate, said they might oppose Nancy Pelosi as House Democratic leader, and each said they would work with President Donald Trump on specific issues. Gray was encouraged to run by the DCCC and suggested he would self-fund his campaign, if necessary. McGrath achieved national fame with campaign videos highlighting her military experience and used that fame to build a national fundraising network. McGrath portrayed Gray as the party’s choice for the seat and herself as the outsider.

While Republican incumbent Andy Barr (R) won re-election in 2016 by more than 20 points, forecasters rate the general election as "Leans Republican." McGrath defeated Gray and four other candidates to win the Democratic primary, taking 49 percent of the vote.

• Colorado governor (June 26)

See also: Colorado gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (June 26 Democratic primary)

Rep. Jared Polis defeated former state Treasurer Cary Kennedy, former state Sen. Mike Johnston, and current Lt. Gov. Donna Lynne to win the Democratic primary for this purple state's highest office. While Kennedy was the first choice of 62 percent of delegates at the state party convention in April 2018, Polis received almost 45 percent of the vote to win, compared with Kennedy's 25 percent and Johnston's 23 percent. Polis faces a competitive general election against the Republican nominee, state Treasurer Walker Stapleton in a contest characterized by ratings outlets as either "Leans Democratic" or "Toss-up." Colorado has voted for the Democratic nominee in each of the last three presidential elections.

Polis led in most polls. He promised free preschool and kindergarten as well as energy independence by 2040. National political figures including Rep. John Lewis (D) and interest groups such as NORML PAC and the Sierra Club endorsed him. EMILY's List and labor unions such as the Communications Workers of America and the Colorado Education Association endorsed Kennedy, who called for increased funding for public schools and the creation of a public option for health insurance. Johnston supported providing two years of tuition-free community college to state residents, the establishment of a civilian work corps, and the expansion of Medicaid to all state citizens. Former Sen. Gary Hart (D) and former Gov. Dick Lamm (D) endorsed him. Lynne, a former insurance executive, ran on her private sector experience and her two years serving alongside term-limited Gov. John Hickenlooper (D).

• Minnesota governor (August 14)

See also: Minnesota gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 14 Democratic primary)

A three-way battle for the Democratic nomination to succeed outgoing Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton (D) unfolded in Minnesota as state Rep. Erin Murphy, Rep. Tim Walz, and state Attorney General Lori Swanson sought the party's nod. Murphy earned the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party of Minnesota's endorsement at its annual convention, defeating Walz and state Auditor Rebecca Otto (D), who suspended her campaign. She has served in the state House since 2006 and has held various leadership positions within the DFL caucus since 2013.

Walz has represented the Republican-leaning 1st Congressional District since 2007. Walz's history of representing this swing district was mentioned as a factor in his loss of the DFL endorsement by Dana Melius of the St. Peter Herald. He is backed by Education Minnesota, the state's largest labor union. Swanson was serving her third term as attorney general, having been first elected in 2006. Swanson withdrew from the nominating process for attorney general at the 2018 convention after the first round of voting, launching a campaign for governor the day before the filing deadline with Rep. Rick Nolan (D) as her running mate.

• New York governor (September 13)

See also: New York gubernatorial election, 2018 (September 13 Democratic primary)

Incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo faced a primary challenge from former 'Sex and the City' actress Cynthia Nixon. Progressives are lining up behind Nixon, who has sharply criticized Cuomo for what she frames as his shortcomings on the New York subway system, affordable housing, and renewable energy. She supports the legalization of marijuana. Nixon claims Cuomo has allowed Republicans to control the state Senate since 2012 by empowering the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC) and generally supports fiscally conservative policies. She is backed by the Working Families Party, Democracy for America, and Our Revolution.

Cuomo, who is a possible 2020 presidential contender, has the support of the state and national Democratic establishment. Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and DNC Chairman Tom Perez endorsed him, and he received the support of 95 percent of the delegates to New York's Democratic Convention. As of the end of May 2018, he had over $30 million in campaign funds available. New York was won by the Democratic candidate in each of the previous five presidential elections.

• Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District (September 4)

See also: Massachusetts' 7th Congressional District election (September 4, 2018 Democratic primary)

Incumbent Rep. Michael Capuano (D), who was first elected to the U.S. House in 1998, faced Boston City Council member Ayanna Pressley in a race which received increased national attention after Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez defeated House Democratic Caucus chairman Rep. Joseph Crowley in New York's Democratic primary on June 26th. Massachuetts' 7th is the state's only majority-minority district.

Pressley, who is African American, was the first woman of color elected to a seat on the Boston City Council, and said that the district needs new leadership. In a statement she issued upon entering the race, Pressley said, "This district and these times demand more than an ally, they demand an advocate and a champion. Making progress on longstanding challenges requires a different lens and a new approach." Capuano, who is white, is the former mayor of Somerville, and emphasized his progressive record and opposition to President Trump. Massachuetts' 7th is the state's only majority-minority district.

After Crowley's defeat, Boston Globe Deputy Washington Bureau Chief Matt Viser noted on Twitter: "The loss for 10-term congressman Joe Crowley in the Democratic primary in New York is not a great omen for 10-term congressman Mike Capuano in Massachusetts." The following day, Capuano stated he was prepared for Pressley's challenge. Kyle Cheney of "Politico" tweeted, "Just bumped into Rep. Mike Capuano at the Capitol — he was elected the same year as Crowley (1998) and is facing a primary for his Massachusetts seat. He says Crowley’s loss doesn’t portend trouble for his own primary in September. 'I’ve been working my butt off,' he said."

Methodology

Our seat rankings reflect a subjective assessment, based primarily on two factors:

• Whether the nature or result of a primary provides an indication as to the direction of the party or the relative strength of various factions within the party in that state or district,
• The extent to which the outcome of a primary impacts the party’s chances for that seat in the November elections.

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