Observers eye Trump endorsements in key primary races

Judy Woodruff:

Voters cast ballots today for primary races in key states across the country.

And observers are keeping a close eye on how endorsements by former President Donald Trump help or harm candidates in these hotly contested races.

To break it all down, I'm joined by our political correspondent, Lisa Desjardins.

Lisa, welcome.

So, Lisa, remind us which states are voting today and what stands out and each one of them.

Lisa Desjardins:

Judy, it is just five states voting today, but they are good ones.

Let's look at the map. We're talking about blue, purple and red states across the country. We highlight them all in yellow, just to be unified, let's say.

But these states are important for several reasons. One of which Judy, of course, is the U.S. Senate itself. The candidates that the parties will choose today in some of these states — and we will talk about them more — could set up — really could determine, in fact, which party determines the Senate itself, as you know, a 50/50 ballots there. And any close Senate race is so important for the country and for both parties.

Judy Woodruff:

Well, let me ask you about one of the states, one of the early states where the polls are closing. That's North Carolina.

There's an important Senate race there.

Lisa Desjardins:

That's right.

The North Carolina Senate race is a fascinating one. Let's look at the candidates there. These are the Republican candidates, first of all. This is one of those races where President — former President Trump has made an endorsement. That is Representative Ted Budd, who you see there on the left of your screen, current congressman.

But he's opposing some other really well-known names in North Carolina, former Governor Pat McCrory, and also another former member of Congress, Mark Walker. Right now, polls show Ted Budd ahead, but it's Election Day. You never know what will happen. It does seem like Trump's endorsement and Representative Budd's ability to get ahead on fund-raising early help him.

We do know in North Carolina they had record-breaking early voting in that state. The polls today have been mixed as far as turnout. Let's talk about the Democrat who would like to oppose one of those Republicans, interesting candidate as well, Cheri Beasley. She is a former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. If elected, she would be the third Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Senate.

She does have a large Democratic field, 11 other candidates, but she's really far out in front. She is expected to win that race tonight.

Another race in North Carolina I think our viewers might be interested in, a congressional race, that of Representative Madison Cawthorn. He is just 25 years old. He is someone who is known in recent days for a number of scandals, including sexual improprieties.

Judy, I think I will put it this way about the kind of hot water Representative Cawthorn has just gotten into recently. He faces not one, but three court dates coming up on traffic and gun violations. But we will see. He's a Trump-endorsed candidate. He may survive. We will see.

Judy Woodruff:

And, Lisa, onto Pennsylvania, where there are two big races we're watching. Remind us of what's going on there.

Lisa Desjardins:

You hear Rocky wants to hear about — my cat wants to hear about Pennsylvania too.

Let's talk about the Senate race there at the top of that list. President Trump has also endorsed in that race. That's Dr. Oz — a lot of our viewers will know the well-known health and personality on TV — against Republican David McCormick.

But we're watching Kathy Barnette. That's the candidate there on the left, who has really surged in the past days, as the two other candidates have been attacking each other.

Quickly to the Democratic side of that race. John Fetterman has been out in front of polls. He's the lieutenant governor in Pennsylvania. However, over the weekend, he suffered a minor stroke today. His campaign says that he is having a pacemaker installed with a defibrillator. They say he should be able to resume campaigning, but we will see if that affects day-of voting.

Low turnout in Pennsylvania today.

Judy Woodruff:

Well, we certainly wish him good health.

And we're glad that Rocky's paying close attention to all these races, Lisa.

Lisa Desjardins:

That's right.

Judy Woodruff:

Thank you.

And…

(LAUGHTER)

Lisa Desjardins:

He wants a treat.

Judy Woodruff:

For sure.

And, online, you can stay up to date with the latest election results from all five states that are holding primary elections today. You can find that at PBS.org/NewsHour.