Delaware Closes 2026 Primaries as Progressives Gain and Trump Keeps GOP Grip

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Sep 14

Delaware closed the final primary of the 2026 election season, leaving 50 days before the general election and capping a cycle that reshaped both parties.
Across Democratic contests, left-wing and DSA-backed candidates ousted establishment figures, including 15-term Rep. Diana DeGette and five-term Rep. Adriano Espaillat, while statewide Senate primary wins in Michigan, Minnesota and Florida expanded progressive clout.
Many of those Democratic winners ran on abolishing ICE, cutting military aid to Israel and backing Medicare for All, deepening pressure on moderates in an increasingly left-leaning party.
On the Republican side, Trump posted a perfect record in Senate primary endorsements and a near-perfect one in House races, though 5 of his gubernatorial picks lost, showing limits to his influence even as he remains the party's dominant kingmaker.
In Delaware itself, Sen. Chris Coons and Attorney General Kathy Jennings faced Democratic primary challengers, while Rep. Sarah McBride was unopposed ahead of a general election where Republicans will try to crack Democrats' statewide hold.