Photos of primary races across the US as candidates compete to get on the ballots for the midterms

The Senate race in Iowa is one of the most closely watched this year and the general election matchup is now set, with Democrats hoping for a gain. Iowa is also where President Donald Trump’s endorsement streak ended when his pick for governor lost in the Republican primary on Tuesday. Democrats have settled on a nominee in a New Jersey congressional district that could decide which party controls the House after November’s elections. But much of the focus on this round of voting has been on California, in races for governor and Los Angeles mayor. Primary elections were also held in Montana, New Mexico and South Dakota.

Two Democrats and a Republican are leading in early returns in California’s crowded primary in the race to replace Gov. Gavin newsom. They are Democrats Xavier Becerra, a former state attorney general and U.S. health secretary, and Tom Steyer, a billionaire climate activist; and Republican conservative commentator Steve Hilton. All have sought to convince voters that they are best prepared to lead the most populous state and one of the world’s largest economies. The campaign has tested voters’ appetites for an experienced politician or candidates promising change. A main theme was lowering the cost of living in the state.