By Blessing Nweke
Tuesday’s U.S. House primaries produced a mixed night for President Donald Trump’s political influence, with two Trump-backed candidates suffering defeats while longtime Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz secured a primary victory in Florida.
Wasserman Schultz, a former Democratic National Committee chair, won the Democratic nomination in Florida’s newly redrawn 20th Congressional District. She defeated a field that included former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness and progressive activist Elijah Manley.
Her victory came after a contentious campaign over representation in the majority-Black district. Critics questioned her decision to seek reelection there after redistricting altered the boundaries of her previous district. Wasserman Schultz argued that her experience and record made her the strongest candidate for the seat.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Cory Mills, who had Trump’s backing, lost his primary in Florida’s 7th Congressional District to former television news anchor Ryan Elijah. Mills had faced political controversy and allegations of misconduct during his campaign.
Trump-backed congressional candidate Catalina Lauf also lost her primary bid, adding to the setbacks for some of the president’s preferred House contenders.
The results came as voters across Florida, Alaska and Wyoming selected candidates for November’s midterm elections. The contests are being closely watched for clues about the balance of power in Congress. Florida’s newly redrawn congressional map could help Republicans gain several House seats, making the state particularly important in the battle for control of the chamber.
Original article
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