On Tuesday, Pennsylvania voters will head to the polls for the primary election, a critical event that could shape the political landscape of America in the coming years. The battleground state, known for its closed primary system, will only allow registered Democrats and Republicans to cast their votes, excluding independent or unaffiliated voters from participating in the primary election.

One of the most crucial races on the ballot is the contest for the U.S. Senate. Democratic incumbent Senator Bob Casey and his Republican challenger, David McCormick, are both running unopposed. The outcome of this intense and costly race may have significant implications for the control of the Senate in the upcoming year. Recent polling data from RealClear Polling shows Senator Casey leading McCormick by an average of 5.7 points among Pennsylvanians.

Senator Casey, seeking his fourth term in the Senate, is a well-established figure in Pennsylvania politics. On the other hand, McCormick, a former hedge fund CEO, has gained the endorsement of former President Donald Trump. The stakes are high, as this Keystone State matchup could not only impact the Senate race but also influence the outcome of the battleground presidential contest. Pennsylvania went to President Joe Biden in 2020, but Trump secured the state in 2016. According to recent RealClear Polling averages, President Biden currently holds a slight 0.5-point lead over Trump in Pennsylvania.

In addition to the Senate race, the primary ballot includes several U.S. House races. A total of 44 candidates, including all 17 incumbents, are vying for a spot on the November ballot. In the 12th Congressional District, Democratic Representative Summer Lee, who has been vocal about supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, and Dwight Evans in Philadelphia, face primary challengers. Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick also faces potential challengers in suburban Philadelphia.

The 7th Congressional District is another closely watched race, as Republicans prepare to challenge Democratic Representative Susan Wild. Potential GOP contenders include Ryan Mackenzie, Kevin Dellicker, and Maria Montero. In the 1st Congressional District, Republican U.S. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick is up against anti-abortion activist Mark Houck. Democrat Ashley Ehasz, who previously lost to Fitzpatrick in 2022, is running unopposed and will face the Republican winner in the fall.

Another highly contested contest in Pennsylvania is the race for the position of attorney general. With no incumbent, this position holds particular significance, as past attorneys general have often risen to higher political offices. The Democratic slate of candidates includes Keir Bradford-Grey, Eugene DePasquale, Joe Khan, Jared Solomon, and Jack Stollsteimer. On the Republican side, Dave Sunday and Craig Williams are vying for a spot on the November ballot.

As Pennsylvania voters make their way to the polls, the outcome of these key races will not only shape the state's political landscape but could also have far-reaching implications for the national stage. The results of the primary will set the stage for closely watched battles leading up to the general election in November.