Trump Critics Face Primary Test Tomorrow

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) and Rep Liz Cheney (R-WY), two of the most high-profile opponents of former President Donald Trump are facing stern midterm primary challenges tomorrow.

• Unless there is a last minute rush of Democrats changing allegiance to vote for Cheney she appears set to lose her primary to Trump-endorsed Harriet Hagman in Wyoming.
• The consequences for opposing Trump have been severe. In February, the Wyoming Republican Party voted to censure Cheney for her opposition to Trump and in May, House Republicans voted to remove her from party leadership.
• The Wyoming race is one to keep an eye on as there is some speculation that Cheney may run for president in 2024.
• She will likely depart Congress as the de facto leader of a traditional conservative movement opposed to Trump. The Washington Post writes: "But, for certain, Cheney and a small but influential bloc of anti-Trump Republicans have decided that there must be a 2024 candidate who will run as an unabashed opponent of [the] ex-president..."
• Politico: “All eyes will be on the race for myriad reasons, including the fact that Cheney is the last of the 10 House Republicans who voted for Trump’s second impeachment who will be facing primary voters. To recap: Four retired rather than seek re-election and three lost to Trump-endorsed opponents, leaving only two facing general-election opponents.”
• Trump’s other target is Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AL) but due to the “top four” system in Alaska, Murkowski is tipped to survive her primary and have a strong chance of retaining her seat in November.
• FiveThirtyEight: "With her universal name recognition in the state and massive war chest (she’s raised $9.5 million for the cycle), Murkowski is virtually guaranteed to [advance to the November general election].