STEVEN PALAZZO

More than halfway through a tumultuous primary season, voters have rendered verdicts in a number of contests, many of which featured candidates arguing they best represented a continuation of policies favored by former President Donald Trump.

Two of Congress’ staunchest conservatives repelled more centrist challengers to lock up Republican nominations on Tuesday.

Seven states are set to host primary elections Tuesday as the nation comes to terms with last week’s stunning Supreme Court ruling eliminating the constitutional right to an abortion.

Congressional primary runoffs are rare in Mississippi.

Congressional primary runoffs with incumbents are rare in Mississippi. U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo is seeking a seventh term and was considered vulnerable after being accused in a 2021 congressional ethics report of abusing his office by misspending campaign funds. U.S. Rep. Michael Guest is seeking a third term.

U.S. House battles are taking shape that could tip the balance of power in Congress.

Primary elections are being held in California, Iowa, Mississippi, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico and South Dakota.

Primary elections in seven states Tuesday will set the stage for U.S. House and Senate battles this fall that will play into control of Congress.

The House Ethics Committee is reviewing ethics allegations against Palazzo. It states that there is evidence that Palazzo improperly used campaign funds and money appropriated to members of congress and sought to use his office to do “special favors” for his brother. All would be violations of House ethics rules and federal law. Investigators also found Palazzo used his influence and campaign resources to help his brother Kyle after his discharge from the Navy. One congressional staffer who was assigned to help Kyle Palazzo told investigators that he left the Navy for “affecting a fraudulent enlistment."