Big Races to Watch as Six States Vote

Voters in six states headed to the polls Tuesday in primaries that will shape not just who runs their states, but, potentially, who controls Congress. California and Iowa dominate the map with marquee contests, while Montana, New Jersey, South Dakota, and New Mexico host lower-profile but still significant races. Highlights, from NPR, NBC News, and the Washington Post:

• California: Term-limited Gov. Gavin Newsom's exit and the state's top-two primary system have produced a crowded governor's field, with Democrat Xavier Becerra, Democrat Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton leading the pack. Newly redrawn House districts could also end several GOP careers and fuel Democratic gains.

• Iowa: Democrats pick a Senate nominee to take on expected GOP candidate Ashley Hinson in a seat they hope to flip. Republicans are in a five-way fight for governor, with Trump-backed Randy Feenstra facing a possible convention decision if no one clears 35%.
• New Jersey: The 7th District features four Democrats vying to challenge GOP Rep. Thomas Kean Jr., who has been sidelined with an unspecified medical issue for weeks.
• Montana: Surprise retirements by Sen. Steve Daines and Rep. Ryan Zinke have opened the door to a well-funded independent Senate hopeful, Seth Bodnar. In the competitive House primary, progressive-backed Sam Forstag leads the pack.
• South Dakota: Republican Gov. Larry Rhoden faces three primary challengers as he runs for his first full term. He replaced former Gov. Kristi Noem when she joined Trump's Cabinet.
• New Mexico: Democrats will pick a candidate to succeed Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who can't run again because of term limits. Former Interior Secretary Deb Haaland would be the first female Native American governor should she win. She faces Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman, father of Chicago Cubs star Alex Bregman.