Georgia, Oregon, Idaho and Kentucky primaries 2024: Willis, McAfee win; tough night for progressives

Abortion didn’t help liberals flip a Georgia Supreme Court seat.

On May 21, voters in Georgia, Idaho, Oregon, Kentucky and California held key elections for Congress and nationally watched local races. Two key figures from one of Trump’s legal cases, Fani Willis and Scott McAfee, easily won their races, while conservatives won a Georgia Supreme Court election fought largely over abortion. In the House, progressives lost two key races in Oregon, while California voters picked a successor to Kevin McCarthy.

As usual, 538 reporters and contributors broke down the election results as they came in with live updates, analysis and commentary. Read our full live blog below.


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Scott leading in Georgia's 13th

With over a third of the expected vote in, incumbent Scott is leading in the Democratic primary in Georgia's 13th congressional district with 60 percent of the vote so far, according to the AP. The race is a microcosm of the issues affecting the entire Democratic Party, with his younger, newer challengers attacking his age, potential health and time in office. But the crowded field my split the vote against him.

—Monica Potts, 538


Massie didn't get Trump's nod this time around

We've been tracking Trump's endorsements of House candidates, and despite getting an endorsement from the former president in 2022, this time around Trump withheld his nod. Massie was the only incumbent Republican in tonight's races that Trump did not endorse -- though Trump didn't endorse any of his opponents, either. As Tia alluded to, Trump and Massie haven't always gotten along in the past.

—Mary Radcliffe, 538


Massie and Rogers both cruise in Kentucky

Of Kentucky's five GOP incumbents, two tonight faced challengers, and both prevailed easily.

ABC News reports that Republican incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie — noted obstructionist and slinger of social media sass — will prevail over challengers Eric Deters and Michael McGinnis in Kentucky's 4th District. With around 58 percent of the expected vote reporting, he leads with 75 percent of the vote. Rep. Hal Rogers — who holds the title of House Dean, or longest serving member of the House of Representatives — had an even easier time in the 5th District. With around 52 percent of the expected vote reporting, he's garnered 81 percent.

While both these contests went as expected, Massie's did see some intrigue. Deters tried to get Massie thrown off the ballot earlier this year, and the incumbent has certainly made enemies within his own party with his hardline opposition to foreign spending and other legislation. AIPAC-affiliated ad spending in this House race was apparently intended to weaken him for potential future runs for higher office.

P.S. If you're bored waiting for results, I highly recommend browsing the #sassywithmassie hashtag.

—Tia Yang, 538


First results out of Georgia’s 3rd District

According to The Associated Press, 10 percent of the expected vote is now reporting in the GOP primary for Georgia's 3rd District, and Jack leads Dugan 42 percent to 30 percent. Remember, though, if no one wins a majority today, this race will go to a runoff.

—Nathaniel Rakich, 538


Lest you think only Democrats have competitive state legislature races in Georgia …

… There’s a downballot GOP race worth checking in on as well! In the 131st state House District outside of Augusta, five candidates are running to be the Republican nominee, hoping to replace retiring state Rep. Jodi Lott. Right now, a local construction company owner, Rob Clifton, is in the lead, with 49 percent of the vote, with more than 95 percent of the expected vote in. If he can’t clear the majority threshold, he’ll have to face off against the next highest vote-getter — retired educator Paul Abbott — in a runoff. Clifton lapped the other candidates when it came to fundraising, raising over $100,000. The next highest fundraiser, cigar shop owner Russell Wilder, raised just half that. If Clifton wins the nomination, he’ll be facing off against Democrat Heather White in November, though Republicans have an edge in this district that Trump won by 62 percent in 2022.

Kaleigh Rogers, 538